A woman whose dogs attacked and killed three sheep has escaped a conviction after she appeared at Letterkenny District Court today.
Sophia Barr, 48, of Ardsbeg, Gortahork – appeared before the court charged with the incident which occurred at Keeldrum, Gortahork on May 12th last year.
On that date, at that location – three sheep were killed by dogs owned by Mrs Barr.
Garda Martin Gallagher told the court, “There had been a dispute initially over the ownership of the dogs.
“But it was eventually established that Mrs Barr owned the dogs, and one of the dogs was subsequently put down on the date of the incident.”
Mrs Barr admitted to the six charges against her – two of being the owner of a dog worrying livestock, two charges of having an uncontrolled dog and two charges of having no dog license.
Garda Gallagher told Judge Paul Kelly, “Mrs Barr has fully compensated the farmer for the loss of all three of his animals.
“He’s present in court, and he’s happy he’s been compensated and wants to forget about the incident.
“I don’t think you’ll ever see Mrs Barr before the court again Judge.”
Solicitor for the defendant Mr McHugh told the court, “My client wants to put this incident behind her, and she wants to move on.
“She has no previous convictions, and as Garda Gallagher has already stated she has fully compensated the farmer for the loss of his three animals.”
Judge Paul Kelly was satisfied that Mrs Barr had compensated the farmer, and would not re-offend.
He struck out all charges against her.