16-06-2025
Man ‘threw axe at neighbour's dog' during dispute, court hears
A judge adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for the accused to decide how he intends to plead
A Dublin man has been accused of animal cruelty after allegedly throwing an axe at his neighbour's dog when it ran into a shared laneway between their homes.
During the argument in a Dublin estate, Gerard Shortt (34) narrowly missed hitting the dog, then threatened he would put the axe through his neighbour's son's head, a court was told.
A judge adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court for the accused to decide how he intends to plead.
Mr Shortt, with an address at Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, is charged with causing or permitting unnecessary suffering to an animal or endangering, neglecting or being reckless regarding its health or welfare.
He is also charged with producing a black-and-yellow axe that was capable of inflicting serious injury, in a manner likely to unlawfully intimidate another, in the course of a dispute.
A third charge alleges he threatened his neighbour that he would kill or cause serious harm to her son.
Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Judge Áine Clancy the DPP consented to the case being dealt with in the district court subject to the issue of jurisdiction being considered.
Outlining the allegations, she said that on May 15, gardaí went to Melrose Avenue, where the alleged victim said her neighbour, the accused, had produced an axe during an argument over her dog in the shared laneway between their houses.
She said her dog had left her garden and entered the laneway. The woman alleged Mr Shortt threw an axe at the dog, narrowly missing it.
She further alleged that the accused had made a threat to 'put the axe through' her son's head.
Judge Clancy asked if the woman's son was a juvenile but it was confirmed that he was an adult.
Gerard Shortt outside court. Photo: Paddy Cummins
News in 90 seconds - 16th June 2025
The judge accepted jurisdiction, allowing the case to remain in the district court instead of being sent forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers.
She remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear in court again in September, when he will be expected to indicate how he intends to plead.
The charges are under the Animal Health and Welfare; Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person; and Firearms and Offensive Weapons acts.
