A YOUNG boy suffered bite marks after being attacked by a dog, Letterkenny Circuit Court heard.
He had also endured psychological difficulties as a result and became reluctant to go outside the family home.
The plaintiff was awarded €20,000 at Tuesday’s sitting of the court.
Aged eight at the time of the incident, the boy was attacked by a Jack Russell dog when he was out cycling with friends in the vicinity of Burtonport.
The plaintiff came off his bicycle and attempted to escape.
He was bitten on the arm by the dog.
A doctor subsequently treated the victim and found soft tissue injuries consistent with bite marks on his upper arm and scratches on his back.
He had attended NowDoc when he came home and was described as “upset” after the incident.
He had hyperventilated and had suffered from nausea and vomiting episodes.
“He became much more reclusive after the incident,” said Mr McGee.
He continued to have a fear of dogs including the two family pets.
The young boy had not taken up six sessions of counselling that had been recommended and his father had taken it upon himself to get his son to get out and about again.
“He had a marked reluctance to go outside.”
Mr McGee said in his opinion, the sum of €20,000 was a fair enough assessment.
Judge John Aylmer agreed that the award was reasonable and approved it.
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