The former minister for justice and MEP, Mr Patrick Cooney, gave evidence at Athlone District Court yesterday in a case of alleged failure of control of foxhounds at a hunt near Moate, Co Westmeath. Mr Cooney gave evidence as president of the South Westmeath Hunt. The case was adjourned by Judge Terence Finn to June 23rd after the defence alleged that the State had failed to provide a witness statement.
Mr James Norton, of Newcastle, Co Dublin, faced two charges that on February 8th, 1998, he allegedly failed to control dogs at Nahad and Williamstown, Mount Temple, Co Westmeath, contrary to Section 9 and Section 27 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986.
A farmer, Mr Aidan Farrell, told the court of finding up to a dozen sheep strewn about his land that afternoon. He claimed he had seen one dog attacking the sheep.
There was conflicting evidence as to whether the hunt had been in the area of Mr Farrell's farm that afternoon and whether a member of the South Westmeath Hunt who had visited the farm had claimed responsibility for the sheep's killing. A local vet, Mr Murray, said it was "possible, not probable" that one dog could have done the damage. He gave evidence of finding 11 dead sheep and about eight others traumatised.
Mr Cooney said in evidence he had not been on the hunt that day but had called to the Moate gardai to get a report. He explained that the South Westmeath Hunt wanted to make a report to its insurers.