Man who walked rottweiler without muzzle in Limerick fined in court

A MAN has been prosecuted for walking a rottweiler dog without a muzzle at a residential area in Limerick.

Michael O’Donnell, 67, with a home address at Columcille Street, St Mary`s Park, Limerick, was out walking his daughter’s seven-year-old rottweiler on Bishop’s Quay on November 11, 2024, Limerick District Court heard. 

Sergeant Burke received a call from a concerned member of the public regarding the restricted breed, and came upon the scene.

Solicitor John Herbert, defending, said Mr O’Donnell was pleading not guilty to the offence on account of the dog not belonging to him.

READ MORE: Woman, 30s, attacked by man with hurley in Limerick town is rushed to hospital

The court was told that the man was simply taking care of the dog for his daughter while she was away.

Prosecuting Sergeant Denis Waters told the judge that in fairness to Mr O’Donnell, the rottweiler was being walked with “a strong leash”.

Judge Patricia Harney said “I’ll give him credit that the dog was on a leash”, but added that a rottweiler is “a strong dog” and “the problem would be if it went for anybody, would he be able to hold it back”.

Judge Harney continued: “If they wish to have these breeds they must obey the law”.

The judge convicted Mr O’Donnell, and fined him €100, with three months to pay.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme