Woman settles case over 'randy' donkey who attempted to mount the horse she was riding
Woman had claimed she was riding her horse on a roadway, passing the donkey's field, when he broke out and attempted to mount her horse. File picture
The mischievous propensity of a randy donkey has led to a €60,000 personal injuries claim being brought in the Circuit Civil Court.
Judge Fiona O’Sullivan heard on Wednesday the case, which involved the uncontrollable romantic desires of the Jack donkey, had been settled.
The exact figure of settlement was not publicly divulged in court.
Barrister Julia Lawlor, for Dublin woman Helen Dunne, asked the court to strike out the case, with orders relating to the legal costs and €4,000 vet's fees and a second expert witness who had been used to promote and defend the claim.
Ms Dunne, a company director, of Forty Acres, Naul, Co Dublin, had sued Jack’s owner, farmer John Moore, of Man O War, Skerries, Co Dublin, alleging negligence and breach of duty.
Mr Moore had entered a full defence to her claim.
Ms Dunne had claimed that on April 7, 2017, she was riding her horse on a roadway, passing Jack’s field, when he broke out and attempted to mount her horse.
She alleged she suffered shock and personal injury when the donkey had kicked her and had tried to bite one of her legs as she struggled to control her horse and avoid the attack.
Apart from allegations of negligence and breach of duty, Ms Dunne’s claim also included an allegation of liability against Mr Moore pursuant to the tort of cattle trespass.
Tort is a wrongful act or omission for which damages can be obtained in a civil court by the person allegedly wronged.
It had been alleged the farmer should have known the donkey had a mischievous propensity. A Jack donkey is one that has not been castrated.
