Staffordshire Bull Terrier loose in Laois without licence or leash

A healthcare worker appeared in court after a Staffordshire Bull Terrier let itself out of her house in Rathdowney. 

Alaina Orr (26) of 23 O’Daly Terrace, Rathdowney, admitted having an unlicensed dog and unrestrained dog at Main Street, Rathdowney on June 12, 2024. 

Garda Olimpia Sosinska said she received a call about the dog with no leash walking around Main Street, Rathdowney at 1.15pm on the date in question. A young man called and said the dog had followed him into his garden and there was no owner present. 

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was a healthcare worker. He said she got the dog from her brother. 

“The defendant indicated that the dog was able to let itself out of the house through a window,” he explained.  He said the animal had since been put down. He said thankfully there were no injuries to anyone arising from the incident. Mr Fitzgerald said his client was involved in healthcare and she was very embarrassed about the incident. 

Judge Susan Fay said the dog was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is a restricted breed. She said it was lucky it “didn’t attack a child” when it was out. She recommended restorative justice and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on March 23.