Dingle Court Round-Up: The case of the dog that barked
The KerrymanA busy Friday at Dingle District Court ended with a civil case involving a dispute over a barking Pomeranian.
The two tenants of a partitioned house were unable to resolve their quarrel over the barking dog and noise disturbance.
The dispute occurred after a family moved into one part of the house in August 2024.
Only one dog posed difficulties, said the complainant, who played a recording of a barking dog for Judge David Waters.
“It’s the Pomeranian is the main culprit,” she testified.
Regarding a general noise complaint, she played a video of a bird of prey tethered to a pole in the yard, squawking.
“There were goats, as well,” she added.
The dog owner’s solicitor noted the charge was for excessive barking but only one recording of the dog was provided.
Her client had made a “huge effort” to reduce noise, she told the court.
The dog-owner wore a blouse with small dogs on it and cried in testimony.
But Judge Waters remained firm in his position.
“People come first, dogs come second,” he said.
“If people are living in close proximity, you cannot have a dog that barks.”
Both parties agreed there was little to no soundproofing in the subdivided house.
Judge Waters said he suspected the issue was primarily due to the “unsuitability of the premises”.
He adjourned to allow the dog owner time to find a solution.
Also on Friday, Paul O’Brien (44) of Killeen Woods, Oakpark, Tralee was remanded on bail to March 27 for charges related to an alleged theft from a shed at 1.45pm on February 4, 2026.
“In essence, it would be alleged there was a van and trailer canvassing certain properties for scrap metal,” said Sergeant Chris Manton.
Judge Waters said he was “very unlikely” to accept jurisdiction.
Marex Wolski of Hunterswood Salins, Co Kildare was fined €750 for “wilfully or carelessly” managing a vehicle at Inch Beach on June 14, 2025.
He was charged an additional €100 for costs.
Leanne Doyle (46) of Rayel’s Apartment, Main Street, Dingle pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale and supply, as well as possession.
Gardaí found €5,800 worth of the drug at her apartment after a search on October 2024.
Cannabis was found in large ziplock bags, said Sgt Manton.
Ms Doyle had no previous convictions and Judge Waters expressed surprise that her first offence was so serious.
“She was going through a torrid time,” said solicitor Pat Mann.
The Judge said he would remand her on bail for two months so a full probation report could be prepared.
Gerald Whyte (56) of Court Phiarais, Ballyferriter was fined €250 for threatening or abusive behaviour after a dispute between the defendant and his neighbour at 8.50pm on July 2, 2025.
“Unfortunately there were some simmering tensions between two neighbours and it boiled over,” said solicitor Mr Ahern.