‘IT’S TURNING INTO A BAIL APPLICATION FOR THE DOG’

The fate of a boxer dog which attacked two other dogs and knocked its owner to the ground hangs in the balance as a court case remains pending.

Judge John Cheatle heard a request from solicitor Garrett Fitzpatrick, appearing for Mary Doyle of 5 Creagh Woods, Gorey, seeking to have his client’s pet released from the pound.

Ms Doyle stood accused of having an uncontrolled dog at Creagh Woods.

When the matter was called by the court clerk, Garda Sergeant Mairead Brophy said that prosecuting Garda Ronan Smith was on long-term sick leave and looked for an adjournment to September at the earliest.

She alleged that the boxer had got out from the defendant’s back yard, inflicting injuries which required veterinary attention on the other two animals.

The woman who was with the two injured canines was knocked to the ground.

This was not disputed by defending solicitor Garrett Fitzpatrick.

He indicated that the defence was based on the contention that the attack was made possible because a door to the yard was left unsecured by a visiting oil man after he made a delivery.

The sergeant told the court it was intended to call the woman to give evidence and also the gentleman who came to her aid.

‘This is turning into a bail application for the dog,’ remarked the solicitor as he contemplated the prospect of Ms Doyle’s pet remaining in the custody of the dog warden while Garda Smith remains on the sick list for at least six months.

It was alleged that the dog also attacked Sergeant Brophy’s absent colleague on the day in question and insisted that Smith evidence should be heard.

The sergeant suggested that, in the light of its behaviour, the offending animal had been classified as dangerous, though boxers as in general are not on the list of dangerous breeds.

The case was adjourned for mention once more in September, with Mr Fitzpatrick indicating that he intended to bring a formal application for the return of the seized dog to Mary Doyle.