The trial of 11 men charged in connection with running an illegal dogfight in Co Kildare will begin at Naas Circuit Court in July.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred on October 31st, 2003, at Brockagh, Robertstown, Co Kildare. The men have all been charged under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1911.
Yesterday Judge Patrick McCartan said the case was of priority and it should be the first heard in the next court session which beings on July 5th.
"It's the type of case, if left lingering in the list, it will never get out of the traps," he said.
He immediately said he had not intended the use of such words as a rumble of suppressed laughter spread around the court.
The judge was informed the case would take approximately a week and would require a jury.
Seven counsel are representing the men, some of whom requested further disclosure of specific documents.
Judge McCartan was informed there would be 17 witnesses involved in the trial.
He suggested that all parties return to court in mid-June to ensure that all issues of disclosure had been resolved before the trial proceeded.
The defendants are on bail on their own bond of €500 and are expected to plead not guilty to the charges.
The accused are: Anthony Burke, Corstown, Oldcastle, Co Meath; Richard Bernard, Dark Road, Castletown, Carlow; Troy Jordan, Blackthorn Cottage, River Road, Allenwood, Co Kildare; James Ferris, Allenwood South, Co Kildare; Richard Somerville, Dunard Drive, Navan Rd, Cabra; Karl Breen, Nangor Crescent, Clondalkin; John Moody, Coolamber Crescent, Templeogue; Thomas Codd, Cloonmore Crescent, Tallaght; David Deegan, Maplewood Park, Springfield, Tallaght; Michael Quinn, Slieve Bloom Road, Drimnagh; and Joseph Blake, Loreto Avenue, Rathfarnham.