Having American Pitbull un-muzzled was 'expensive lesson' for owner

Failing to have a muzzle on an American Pitbull terrier was described as an expensive lesson for a young man who appeared before Cork District Court with no previous convictions.

Sergeant Gearóíd Davis said today that at lunchtime back on June 17, 2023, a member of the public contacted gardaí about such a breed of dog not being muzzled at Cooney’s Lane in Douglas, Cork.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked if the dog was on its own. Sgt Davis indicated that the owner was present.

Sgt Davis said: “What happened was he (the person who contacted gardaí) asked if he could pet the dog. There was no muzzle on the dog. The owner had taken the muzzle off the dog previous to this interaction.” 

Nothing further was indicated in court about this incident, almost two years ago.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said that 22-year-old Robbie Deane of Ardfield Grove, Douglas, Cork, owned the dog. He said the owner had no previous convictions of any kind.

“Why did he take the muzzle off the dog?” Judge Dorgan asked. 

Mr Kelleher replied that it was ''a judgement error.” 

Judge Dorgan said that the offence carried a possible sentence of three months in prison and/ or a fine of €500.

“Obviously, I don’t intend in any circumstances to impose that sentence, but I just wanted to highlight how serious it is. 

''I take the plea of guilty into account and the absence of any previous convictions. I am going to impose a €300 fine. It is an expensive lesson,” the judge said.

Mr Kelleher represented the owner on free legal aid.

The charge to which Robbie Deane pleaded guilty stated that being the owner of an American Pitbull on June 17 2023 at Cooney’s Lane, Douglas, he did permit a dog, an American Pitbull, to be in the public place, when such dog was not securely muzzled as required under the Control of Dogs Regulations.