A pensioner who won a last minute reprieve to stop his pet dog being put down after she allegedly bit a passing pedestrian passed away on Christmas Day.
Donal Rogers came to prominence this year amid a fight to save the life of his dog Kim.
The much publicised case arose after the former garda’s pet nipped Breid Green on her leg while she was walking past his house, near Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
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This sad news of Mr Roger’s passing was confirmed by Northern Ireland’s Voice For The Voiceless in their social media post which said: “We are sorry to report that Donal Rogers, who came to prominence this year amid a fight to save the life of his dog, Kim, passed away on Christmas Day. He was 85 years old.
This news has just knocked the wind out of us if we're honest.
What a terrible, unnecessary year this gentleman has had - only to have his time with Kim cut so short…..a stress that no one needs never mind an elderly gentleman sitting in his own yard minding his own business with his wee dog……….
“Hope you are resting in peace Mr Rogers…… Condolences to your family.”
Last October a judge ordered the destruction of the six-year-old Jack Russell to be stayed and instructed that dog control measures be put in place by Mr Rogers.
The 85-year-old from Roscommon was ordered to pay the complainant Breid Green €5,000 compensation, along €1,500 in costs.
Judge Karen Fergus in the Circuit Court ordered for the destruction of Kim to be stopped.
Judge Fergus at the time said that If Mr Rogers is able to satisfy the conditions laid down by the court within four weeks the order to destroy Kim would be permanently stayed.
After the court case Mr Rogers said: “Kim is 120%. I bring her for a walk every day. I was advised to do a dog training course, and I have her on a dog training course and she is coming off the course today and will be tested tomorrow.
“I also now have electric gates, which will be closed all the time. She gets treats all the time. I have a variety of food for her and she gets a good feed in the evening time, and I’m advised that’s the way to feed her.”
Almost 178,000 people signed a petition to save the animal, including British comedian and actor Ricky Gervais and actress Kate Beckinsale while €14,000 was raised for Mr Roger’s campaign.
In a tweet at the time Gervais said: “This is so sad and frustrating,” to his 15 million followers on Twitter in relation to the case. “Anyone out there know how this dog can be saved? #SaveKim.”
Ms Beckinsale shared a picture of Mr Rogers and Kim to her 5.5 million followers on Instagram too saying: “Some good news! And thank you to all of you who signed the petition! Big love to Donal and Kim,” she posted.
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