Sydney Nagle faces inquiry after Dolethal offences

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Dublin vet Sydney Nagle faces a fitness-to-practise inquiry following his conviction for offences involving Dolethal. The proceedings were reported on 18 May 2026.

Nagle pleaded guilty to two counts of causing or permitting someone other than a vet to possess or control the drug. He also admitted four counts relating to failures to keep records, including batch and serial numbers and details of sales and purchases, and to retain those records for five years.

He was fined €12,500 for his role in the unlawful administration of euthanasia to two dogs. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that he had sold about 30 bottles of Dolethal to Ashton Dog Pound between January 2019 and July 2020, at €20 a bottle, and received an €800 monthly retainer from the pound to supply the drug.

Dolethal was given orally to two dogs at the Castleknock pound over the weekend of 24 July 2020, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. One dog died and the other was humanely euthanised some days later.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland said the inquiry was scheduled for 4 and 5 June 2026 in Dublin before its Fitness to Practise Committee. The committee will hear evidence and compile a report. If it finds an allegation proven, it can recommend sanctions ranging from a warning or conditions on registration to removal of registration.