Popular Australian television vet, Dr Bruce Syme, has faced court charged with more than 260 offences after allegedly abusing highly addictive drugs meant for animals.
Dr Syme faced Castlemaine Magistrates Court over accusations he misused opiates such as morphine, methadone, and fentanyl over an 18 month period at his Victorian veterinary clinic.
Dr Syme has pleaded not guilty to majority of the charges.
The Herald Sun reported Dr Syme was stripped of his ability to treat animals, prescribe medication, or enter his own clinic by the veterinary registration board.

Following court proceedings, the restrictions have been lifted but Dr Syme must submit to random weekly urine samples, as well as hair samples every three months to test for illicit substances as part of his license conditions.
Dr Syme has been charged with 263 offences by the Department of Health and Human Services under the Drugs and Poisons Act.
The charges include keeping false records, fraudulent prescriptions, and using, supplying or selling drugs of dependence.

Dr Syme has made several appearance on Australian television programs, including Totally Wild, as an expert.
He also owns a clinic in Castlemaine, Healthy Pets. Dr Syme also owns a pet food brand that is aimed at “natural” remedies for pet ailments rather than medication.
The case was adjourned and Dr Syme is scheduled to reappear in December.