Laura Tier of Bridgetown, Co.Wexford has been sued €30k plus costs by her sister Caroline O’Leary of Shannon, Co.Clare after the Wexford woman’s greyhound smashed into her sister’s leg.
The Irish Daily Mail reported that the judge who oversaw the case said that the owner was negligent, as the dog was known to run wildly and crash into people.
The lurcher/greyhound cross careened into Ms.O’Leary while chasing a Jack Russel, while the two sisters were having tea in the garden. Ms.O’Leary’s barrister told Judge Doyle that her client was visiting her sister for a couple of days in October 2014, when she saw the two dogs running her way and attempted to avoid them.
The large dog smashed into Ms.O’Leary’s shin, shocking her and causing her leg to become black, she said. The knock from the dog burst blood vessels and then caused bruising.
Unaware of how serious the damage was, Ms.O’Leary went to the doctors. She also said that the knock left a dent in her leg, which she has been told is permanent, and that it is painful for her to walk or drive.
A case of negligence was filed, as the judge commented that there was a pen in the back of the garden for the dogs to stay, and yet they were allowed roam free, even with guests around. Judge Doyle awarded Ms.O’Leary €30,000 damages with €800 special damages.
