A DOG owner has been fined €300 for allowing her unmuzzled and unattended German shepherd dog wander onto the public road.

Ina O’Brien, of Aghavrin, Coachford, admitted not having proper control of her dog in a case prosecuted by Cork County Council.

Macroom District Court heard that a €1,000 fine had been issued after her dog was found on the street, unmuzzled and without a lead on October 10th 2025.

That fine has since been paid.

During the previous court hearing on March 4th last, the judge adjourned the case so the dog warden could check the height of a fence at her home, which Ms O’Brien had been ordered to increase.

The court heard that the fence was checked on March 8th last and found to be compliant with the order.

However, on March 7th the German shepherd was again left unattended, unmuzzled and without a lead, on the road.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said the events of March 7th had been out of his client’s control.

Ms O’Brien’s daughter told the court that it was her fault a gate at her mother’s home had been left open when she drove her children to swimming.

‘This lady has come before me a number of times and I have taken a very dim view of a dangerous breed of dog being out and not under proper control, and not muzzled,’ said Judge Joanne Carroll.

She  convicted Ms O’Brien of the offence and fined her €300, refusing an application from Cork County Council for costs of €123.

‘She put children and other people at risk of a very serious dog bite,’ Judge Carroll said.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.