Wednesday 28 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. 3090Control of dogs (destruction order) · Co. Dublin

Woman appeals High Court order to destroy four XL Bully dogs

Veronica Maher is appealing in the High Court a District Court order directing the destruction of her four XL Bully dogs under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, following an incident in March 2025 at her home in Blanchardstown, Dublin, in which one of the dogs, Odie, ran at Gardaí threateningly.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 May
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí alleged that Maher threatened to release the dog again if they did not leave, which she denied. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMaher's other XL Bully dogs were not involved in the incident. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMaher stated the dogs had never caused problems and had no behavioural issues. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • whatGardaí alleged Maher threatened to release the dog again if they did not leave, which she denied. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred at Maher's home on Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, in March 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Halpin found the dogs were dangerous and not under proper control and ordered their destruction. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe High Court is also asked to clarify whether the District Court judge had adequate evidence to make the destruction orders. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBarrister Shelley Horan, with Frank Kennedy, submitted the court cannot determine the appeal questions without the transcript. (irishtimes.com, irishmirror.ie)
  • courtJudge Dignam said he would give his ruling on the application at a later date. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 May2026
    In courtirishmirror.ie, follow-up
    Gangland murder victim's widow in court battle to save XL Bully

    Reports on the High Court 'case stated' appeal hearing before Judge Conor Dignam, where the Garda complainant's lawyers sought admission of the District Court transcript and Maher's counsel opposed it; Dignam reserved his ruling.

    accused, Veronica Maher, female, named, irish (judged from name)Veronica Maher
  2. 13 May2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Woman fights court order to destroy four XL Bully dogs

    First reporting of the High Court 'case stated' appeal; Judge Conor Dignam reserved his ruling on the admission of the District Court transcript.

    accused, Veronica Maher, female, named, irish (judged from name)Veronica Maher