Dangerous Rottweiler viciously attacked jogger on Greenway, court hears

A Ukrainian woman, whose Rottweiler dog viciously attacked a jogger on the Quigley’s Point Greenway, inflicting horrific leg injuries, has pleaded guilty to a number of offences in court.

Suitlana Paschchenko, of 3 Mary Deeney’s, Ture, Muff, admitted three separate charges at Carndonagh District Court, including failure to have a proper chain or leash to control her dog, failure to have it muzzled, and having no dog licence.

The 47-year-old dog owner, who travelled here to escape Putin’s war in her own country, appeared highly upset in court, where proceedings were translated to her by an interpreter.

Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian said Ms Paschchenko, a mother-of-one who worked as a nutritionist in Ukraine, was “very distressed” on two levels.

“Firstly, that this happened at all, that somebody was injured; she’s appalled at what happened and blames no one but herself.

“And secondly, that the life of the dog is now at risk at this stage.”

Sergeant Emmet Brady summarised the facts of the incident, which occured on June 16, 2024.

He said gardaí were contacted by the injured party, Conor McKinney, who reported from Altnagelvin Hospital that he had been bitten by a dog while he was running at Aught, Muff, along with a number of other people.

Sgt Brady said the stricken man required medical attention and was taken to hospital as a consequence of the unprovoked attack.

“He received very serious bite wounds and required a number of stitches. The dog bit through multiple layers of skin and flesh, resulting in extensive damage to the injured party’s leg.”

A formal statement was taken from the injured party, and a warrant was then obtained to seize the dog, which remains under the care of Donegal County Council almost a year later.

The court further heard how Charles Kealey, Chief Veterinary Officer with the County Council, provided a statement in the matter. In it, he outlined how he had been requested to go and assess the dog and went on two occasions to do so.

On June 27, 2024 – eight days after the incident – he called to the dog shelter in Glencar, Letterkenny. Mr Kealey assessed the dog in the kennels while he stood outside. The dog’s tail was raised, hackles were raised, ears were pointed forward, with a stiff leg stance, and the body was leaning slightly forward.

From these observations, Mr Kealey formed the opinion that the dog was adopting an offensive stance, and the assessment was stopped because it would have been unsafe to enter the kennel.

The veterinary inspector called back to the same dog shelter on July 2, however, there was no change in his observations on this occasion either.

Mr Kealey said the Rottweiler presented as a “dangerous dog”.

Inspector Paul Gallagher explained to the court how the matter was referred to the DPP given the extensive injuries caused by the dog – and how it was decided that there would be no more significant charges brought against Ms Paschchenko.

Inspector Gallagher said there was consideration given to the fact that the dog had travelled with its owner from her country of origin. He said Ms Paschchenko had written a “heartfelt letter” outlining how the dog had suffered trauma as a result of the invasion of Ukraine and her subsequent relocation to Ireland.

Inspector Gallagher said the DPP suggested the possibility of restorative justice rather than criminal remedy.

Defence solicitor Dorrian said his client utterly regrets what happened “as fulsomely as can be.”

“Ultimately, there’s no answer to this; the dog ought to have been muzzled because of the species involved. She finds herself hemmed in by these facts.

“There was no pattern of this dog having been violent previously. She never had any difficulty whatsoever with this animal.

“She was going for a walk on the [Quigley’s Point] Greenway and unfortunately these events occurred. She had no warning of it, nor any wish for it to happen, but nevertheless she finds herself trapped by these events.”

Mr Dorrian revealed how Ms Paschchenko came to Ireland from Mariupol in the Ukraine, where she had a successful career as a nutritionist.

“She’s had this animal for seven years. She’s a parent of one child, who was a young teenager when the dog was acquired.

“There was a veterinary inspection conducted when she first arrived here from Ukraine and the dog was found to be well cared for and in good health.”

Mr Dorrian added: “Given the breed of the dog, there was an obligation to have it muzzled. That doesn’t appear to be the situation in Ukraine however.”

Photos of the injuries were shown to Judge Eiteain Cunningham, who deemed the incident to be “very serious” and directed a victim impact statement prior to sentencing.

“It is a very serious matter, which comes before the court, and quite clearly, significant injuries were inflicted, which I must enquire about further.”

“So I think I’m going to direct a victim impact statement in relation to this matter, which I think would be appropriate.”

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The judge continued: “I’m also advised that restorative justice may be an option, so I’m going to have to direct a probation and welfare report for that.

“I must, of course, give credit for the [guilty] plea that has been tendered, and I am satisfied that she is very distressed in terms of the situation – and certainly that is apparent to the court.”

Judge Cunningham adjourned the case for six months, until November 18 next, due to an ongoing backlog with probation service reports.