Bully dog slipped lead and attacked dog being walked by young girl

Noting that the defendant “did everything to sort out” the situation following an attack by a bully dog on another dog, Judge Eirinn McKiernan marked the facts proven and dismissed the case.

She put back a prosecution to Tuesday last against 47-year-old Jason Cullen, Somerville, Fairyhouse Road, Ratoath after the facts and mitigation in regard to the attack was heard at Trim District Court earlier in the month.

The defendant was summoned under the Control of Dogs Act in respect of his dog not being on a chain or leash on 3rd June 2024. A seven-year-old girl was walking the other dog and the incident at Somerville was witnessed by a number of other children, the court was told on the previous date.

Defence solicitor Teresa Coyle said her client’s dog had slipped a lead. The defendant paid for the other dog’s veterinary fees and also had his own dog put down straight away.

Court Presenter Sergeant Peter Clarke said on Tuesday that the investigating Garda spoke with the family and they didn’t wish to engage in regard to a victim impact statement.

Miss Coyle said the defendant was in court with his wife. It was a most unfortunate incident. The defendant was very sorry for what happened.

Sergeant Clarke said the defendant had a very clean record.

Miss Coyle said that the defendant brought a sum of money for a donation to a charity. He had also borne the cost of putting down the two dogs.