Four people have denied being involved with an alleged puppy farm that was discovered in Moray last year.
Donna Hessin, 44, Samuel Ronald Hessin, 46, Samuel Arthur Hessin, 20, and Rachel Hessin, 22, are all accused of being involved in the operation.
The quartet pleaded not guilty at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday through letters sent by their solicitors. None of the four were present in court.
Charges against the accused include running a pet shop without a licence between December 3, 2018 and September 19, 2019.
All four are also accused of making misleading statements while engaging in a commercial practice, including using false aliases and falsely pretending to be based in locations including Buckie and Huntly.
They are also charged with making false statements about the nature of their business, including claims that the dogs were family pets or offspring of pets.
Prosecutors claim that animals were imported from Northern Ireland for the purposes breeding.
Between June 12, 2018 and September 19, 2019 they are also accused of causing unnecessary suffering or harm to 56 dogs, including 12 puppies, by failing to provide adequate treatment, care or veterinary attention for them.
They are also accused with failing to provide a suitable environment for the animals between May 31, 2019 and September 19, 2019.
All four appear on each of the five charges, which they deny.
The four, all of Balnamoon near Crossroads, north of Keith, will next appear in Elgin Sheriff Court in November.