JUDGE GERARD Haughton told Edenderry Court that he was taking the unusual step of not ordering the destruction of a dog which had killed sheep, after hearing of the animal’s importance for a man who has suffered a serious accident.
Michael Heavey, Grange, Edenderry, was charged with being the owner of an uncontrolled dog worrying livestock at Roosk, Edenderry, on February 22nd, 2008. Michael Heavey said he was very surprised when the dog got out as he had an electric fence to keep the dog in.
His brother was paralysed in the left arm and the dog was his best friend, waking up beside him every morning. “He’d be lost without the dog,” he stated.
The judge was “not particularly impressed” by Heavey’s comments that he did not know whose sheep were killed. He could have asked a garda, said the judge. However, because of the evidence about the defendant’s brother, he would not order the destruction of the dog. Another dog owner facing similar charges had already had his dog put down. Both owners were fined €600.