A DIVORCED couple were “co-parenting” their dog, but the owner told Tuam Court that a “boy racer” had killed it in a “hit & run” – a suggestion at which, Judge James Faughnan was told, the young motorist took grave umbrage.
A complicated shaggy dog tale was related before the Court when Damien Burke, Ballinapark, Ballyglunin, was charged with not having a dog licence on October 17, the day it was killed.
Burke told the Judge that his former wife owned the dog but he took care of it when he had time with their children. He explained that his former wife had chipped the animal and thought that was all she needed to do. He was out walking with his children when the dog was struck and killed by what he described as a “boy racer”.
Karen Hughes solr told the Court that her client was the driver referred to by Burke as a “boy racer” and he took umbrage to this and the reference to a “hit & run” when the dog was killed.
“Let’s get this clear,” the Judge said. “The dog was killed, the Guards were called and they investigated the matter but all that’s before me now is a charge of not having a dog licence for the deceased.”
He asked if there was “spleen” between the parties and Burke said there was not. He also admitted the dog (unnamed ) was not on a leash at the time of its demise.
Judge Faughnan said he was only dealing with a charge of not having a dog licence and other matters arising were for another day. He fined Burke €250 on the dog licence charge.
