Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 9382Dog control offences (Control of Dogs Act 1986) · Co. Laois · 14 Mar 2025

Laois woman appears in court over pit bull control offences

Roxanne Cawley (33), of 1 Derrycloney, Mountmellick, Co Laois, was accused of not having control of a pit bull at her address on March 14, 2025, and of not having a sufficiently strong lead for the dog on March 29, 2025, both under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. A restorative justice report was compiled, and her solicitor described it as very positive. Reported on May 27, 2026, she appeared before Portlaoise District Court with €100 in court towards a €200 payment and asked for two weeks to pay the remaining €100. Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case to June 8 and said she must attend in person if the money is in court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 May
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Roxanne Cawley, a 33-year-old woman of 1 Derrycloney, Mountmellick, Co Laois, appeared before Portlaoise District Court.
Where
The first accusation concerns her address at 1 Derrycloney, Mountmellick, Co Laois.
When
The first accusation concerns March 14, 2025, and the second concerns March 29, 2025.
Charges
  • She was accused of not having control of a pit bull at her address on March 14, 2025.
  • She was further accused of not having a sufficiently strong lead for the dog on March 29, 2025.
  • The offences are alleged under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.
In court
  • The court appearance was reported on May 27, 2026.
  • Her solicitor, Josephine Fitzpatrick, said a restorative justice report had been compiled and was very positive.
  • She asked for a further two weeks to gather the remaining €100.
  • Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 8.
  • Judge Fay said she must attend in person rather than be excused if the money is in court.
Sentence
She was to pay €200, and had €100 in court.
Other details
The sources do not state her nationality.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • chargeShe was accused of not having control of a pit bull at her address on March 14, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeShe was further accused of not having a sufficiently strong lead for the dog on March 29, 2025. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA woman appeared before Portlaoise District Court for an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA restorative justice report was compiled and described as very positive. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtShe had €100 in court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtShe requested a further two weeks to gather the remaining €100. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Susan Fay adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 8. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Fay said the client must attend in person rather than be excused if the money was in court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceThe accused was to pay €200. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 May2026
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Pit bull owner appears before court in Laois

    First report of this court appearance. Adds the charge details, the restorative justice report, part payment of €200 in court, and the adjournment to June 8.

    accused, Roxanne Cawley, 33, female, named, irish (judged from name)Roxanne Cawley