Woman had facial surgery after dog attack in Laois pub

A woman underwent facial reconstruction after she was bitten by a Rottweiler dog at a Laois pub, Portlaoise District Court was told. 

Colm Downey,  37, of Downeys Bar, Main Street, Clonaslee appeared in court in relation to the incident at his pub on July 30 last year. 

He was accused of not having the dog on a leash, not controlling the dog and not having the dog muzzled at his bar on the date. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the incident occurred at Downeys Bar at around 2am. He explained that a group of people were waiting for a taxi. 

The defendant went into the back kitchen door and didn’t close it properly and the dog got out. 

“The dog came over beside them and sat down,” said Sgt Kirby. 

“When she(the injured party) bent down to rub the dog he lunged up and bit her face,” said Sgt Kirby. 

“She had bad injuries after the dog let go,” he said. 

“She needed reconstructive surgery to her face,” said  Sgt Kirby. 

“I have pictures. They are very, very graphic,” said Sgt Kirby. 

He explained that the dog had been put down following the attack.  

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described it as an “unfortunate incident” and said the dog had been secure in the property before the incident. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if a personal injuries claim had been lodged. 

Ms Fitzpatrick said it had and there was and her client had brought a further €2,000 in cash to court. 

“We are absolutely devastated,” she said of her client. 

“We are horrified that this happened,” she added.  

She said the customers had all been petting the dog prior to the attack. 

“When the injured party was saying goodbye to the dog she must have reached down and the dog misinterpreted it,” said Ms Fitzpatrick. 

Judge Andrew Cody requested a victim impact statement.  He remanded the case to October 19 and advised the defendant to save up for the date.