Owner of dog which attacked girl, 6, charged under Control of Dogs Act
The owner of a dog, which mauled a girl's head and body, has appeared in court charged with three counts under the Control of Dogs Act.
Eric McSweeney of Patricks Road, Ballysimon, Limerick, was charged with having the dog without a valid dog licence, and with having no muzzle on the dog on the day of the horrific attack.
He was also charged with permitting the animal to be in another place other than the premises of the owner, or the premises of such other persons in charge of the dog, or in the premises of any other person with the consent of that person.
Mr McSweeney who appeared before Limerick District Court on foot of a summonses, told the court the dog, an American Akita breed, had been "put to sleep" following the incident.
The incident occurred at Lynwood Park, Limerick, on March 12 this year.
Mr McSweeney, (aged 28), was granted free legal aid and the matter was adjourned to January 28 next year.
Following the attack in March, six-year-old Abbie Cuddihy spoke of her horror when the dog savagely tore into her.
