From the Weekly Irish Times, 19 December 1903, this story of a canine Boer War hero of the highest level regrettably forced to seek ‘wuff justice’ in the Dublin Police Court:
“A FAMOUS DOG IN THE POLICE COURT
On Tuesday, in Southern Police Court, before Mr Drury, a famous dog which formerly belonged to Commandant Philip Botha, but which now belongs to the Royal Irish Rifles stationed at the Richmond Barracks, figured in a case in which it was alleged that he had been cruelly treated by a man named Ernest Warmingham, who is employed in the canteen kept at the barracks. The bulldog, which though not at all savage-looking was muzzled, was in charge of Colour Sergeant Edwards. The animal was led into court, it may be said, decorated with the honours of war, for attached to his coat with green facings were South African medals with clasps. He was conducted to the witness box untroubled about the evidence which might be given in the case. From a record of his career it appears that in the course of the war in South Africa he was captured in September 1900, by the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles Mounted Infantry at Commandant Philip Botha’s farm in the Doornberg. From that time until the end of the war he trekked with the Rifles, and was frequently in action. On one occasion he was wounded. He trekked from Griqualand in the west to Bastutoland, and was with General French’s column in Cape Colony.
Mr Drury, taking note of Her late Majesty’s South African medal with three clasps, and the King’s South African medal with two clasps, said he was the most distinguished dog in the country.
Colour Sergeant Edwards gave evidence to the effect that the dog was his property. On the 2nd inst., he missed the dog from Richmond Barracks, and after searching for him he found the animal in a bad state, bleeding from wounds in his legs and from a cut on the head. Witness, in reply to Mr Drury mentioned, as above stated, how the dog became a pet of the regiment. He stated they were at a lot of expense in bringing him home.
Private John McHugh deposed that he saw Warmingham thrashing the dog with a stick outside the canteen at Richmond Barracks. The defendant broke the stick in the course of the beating and then kicked the dog. When he (witness) remonstrated the defendant retorted that the dog ought to be ‘damned well shot.’
Private Donnan gave corroborative evidence.
Richard Downes, employed in the canteen, stated he heard dogs fighting outside, and when he went out he saw the defendant beating the dog with a stick.
The defendant deposed that he was canteen manager at the Richmond Barracks. On the 2nd instant while proceeding to the canteen with an Irish terrier the bulldog attacked the smaller dog, and in order to separate them witness had to use his stick. He admitted he broke the stick on the dog, but denied having kicked the animal. The dog, he asserted, had been twice sentenced to be shot for worrying other dogs.
Mr Drury – Have you witnesses to prove this?
The defendant – I can swear what they can prove.
Colour Sergeant Edwards denied that the dog had been sentenced to be shot. The dog was a most inoffensive animal.
Mr Drury said there was clear evidence that gross and unnecessary violence had been used, and he would fine the defendant 1 pound with 1 pound costs.”
Share this:
