Puppy needed 30 stitches after dog attack

A DOG owner must pay €1,000 after his American Staffordshire Terrier dog attacked two other dogs causing them injury.
Patrick Bolger of 29 Rowan Drive, Castlebar, appeared in court facing prosecution from Mayo County Council.
The court heard that on August 5 last Declan Sweeney was walking his two Bichon Frise dogs, one of which was a five-month-old puppy on Rowan Drive, Castlebar. Mr Bolger’s American Staffordshire Terrier had been tied to a tree but got free and approached Mr Sweeney and his dogs. Sweeney attempted to pick up the puppy when Bolger’s dog jumped at it and attacked it causing the puppy to need 30 stitches. Mr Sweeney got the puppy free from the animal, but while this was happening Bolger’s dog then attacked the other Bichon Frise. The court heard Mr Bolger apologised on the day and paid veterinary fees of €300.
Solicitor Ward McEllin appearing for Mayo County Council, told the court that Mr Sweeney had sustained a badly burned finger resulting from friction holding onto a dog lead.
Mr McEllin said Mayo County Council was not seeking for the animal to be destroyed.
Defending solicitor Tom Walsh outlined to the court that his client’s dog means a lot to him and to his grandchildren.
Judge GrΡinne O’Neill commented that it must have been ‘terrible for the animals [who were attacked] and owner’ and questioned how Mr Bolger would feel if it was a child the dog got.
Judge O’Neill convicted Mr Bolger, fining him €250 and directed he pay costs of €750 to Mayo County Council.