IT WAS a case where one man and his dog found themselves behind bars early last November after they were both “arrested” according to solicitor Ted McCarthy who told the tale of 43-year-old Martin Rainbow appearing before Limerick District Court. The Court heard that Martin Rainbow of Lee Estate was charged with taking the leash and muzzle off his dog on O’Connell Street after he was engaged by gardai in a public order matter.
Mr Rainbow was “assisting” gardai after intoxication led him to breach laws under the public order act. As he was being arrested and despite the directions of the gardai not to do so, Mr Rainbow removed the leash and muzzle from his dog and began shooing the dog home.
However the gardai were left no alternative but to take the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with them in the garda vehicle along with its owner, Martin Rainbow, back to Henry Street station.
As Mr Rainbow slept off his intoxication, his dog was housed in the kennels of Henry Street Garda Station along with the canine members of the Garda Dog Unit.
In defence of his client, Ted McCarthy said that his client was “a little worse for wear” but he accepted responsibility for what happened.
Clarifying that there was nothing sinister in releasing the dog while in the presence of the gardai, Mr McCarthy said that Martin Rainbow was “leaving the dog off the leash so that the dog could go home”.
Judge Tom O’Donnell asked how taking the muzzle of the dog would help him get home and Mr McCarthy retorted with the suggestion that as Mr Rainbow was being taken into custody, “he took it off as the dog had to eat at some stage”, adding that the dog was effectively “arrested” along with Martin Rainbow.
Judge O’Donnell imposed a fine of €150 for breaching the legislation surrounding the control of dogs in a public place.
Martin Rainbow’s then asked; “Can I pay it weekly your honour?,” to which the Judge responded by saying, “You have six months to pay Mr Rainbow”.
