Toddler knocked down as dog attacked in Portlaoise
The dog was sent to the Legendary Stardust Farm in Poland for behavioural training
A German sheppard was sent to Poland for behavioural training after it attacked a dog and knocked over a toddler in Portlaoise.
Bartosz Jaroszewski(19) of 45 Park Lane, Maryborough, Portlaoise, admitted having an uncontrolled dog at Berryridge Avenue, Maryborough, Portlaoise, on January 15, 2026.
Garda James Cahill told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that Gardaí responded to a report from a woman on the day in question. The woman told them she had collected her daughter from a creche and was walking with her child and dog when another dog attacked her smaller dog, he explained.
Garda Cahill said the attacking dog knocked over the child who suffered bruising to her right eye. He said a car came along and the larger dog was scared away. The smaller dog suffered minor damage to its paw and was brought to the vet where an X Ray was carried out. He said the veterinary bill was €339.
According to Garda Cahaill, the attacking dog “was a mix between a collie and a German sheppard.”
Anne Doyle BL said her client was pleading guilty. She asked if the smaller dog was “ok” after the attack. Garda Cahill said “there was a broken toe on the dog’s right foot”.
Ms Doyle asked if it was accepted that the dog got out by accident?
“I was informed by Mr Jaroszewski that he was going to the car when the dog escaped from the house and where the attack happened was about 100 metres from the house,” said Garda Cahill.
Judge Andrew Gubbins noted it was a serious matter where a two year-old child suffered a bruise to her eye.
Ms Doyle said her client had made attempts to pay the vet’s bill. Garda Cahill said he was unaware of that. When asked by the judge, Garda Cahill said the accused had no previous convictions.
Ms Doyle said the attacking dog was a family pet and “what happened on the day was very much an accident…he left the door open and the dog just got out.”
“Since the incident the dog went to Poland to an organisation, the Legendary Stardust Farm, where he underwent a course of behavioural therapy,” Ms Doyle explained.
She said “it was an accident. He took steps to address the behaviour.”
Judge Gubbins was told the dog was in the house at the time and now if the door was opened it would stay there.
“It is lucky there wasn’t a further more serious incident,” said Judge Gubbins.
However, he said given the circumstances he was happy to apply the probation act on condition the man donates €330 to the NSPCA.