Couple awarded over €1,600 after husky attacks terrier in dog park
Brendan Corcoran, of Grangeview Place, Clondalkin, Dublin, told the court that on May 12, 2012, he let his dog Molly run free in the designated area within Corkagh Park, Dublin.
He told his barrister Colm MacCarvill that after some time a “big dog” grabbed Molly and threw her in the air twice. Mr Corcoran chased the other dog away.
Judge Mary Collins was told Molly was brought to the Pet Emergency Hospital in UCD, where she was in care for 24 hours.
Mr Corcoran said he and wife Claire alternately took a few days off work to look after the dog, which had a chest drain and had to be monitored, at their home. Molly made a full recovery.
Husky owner Stephen O’Brien, of Peyton drive, Rathcoole, denied liability. He said his dog was not aggressive and had not caused an incident before.
Mr O’Brien said his wife Maria had been fully in control of their dog that day. He said Molly should not have been let run free with bigger dogs.
He told the court he had previously agreed to pay half of the medical fees but when he was informed it amounted to €1,633 he refused to do so because he found it excessive.
Judge Collins said both the O’Briens and the Corcorans were entitled to use the dog run but liability remained on the owner of the dog which caused the injury. Judge Collins awarded the Corcorans €1,633 for the medical expenses.
She refused a claim for loss of earnings.
