2023 Question 3 — LawShortcut Independent Model Answer
Nuisance · Animals · Control of Dogs Act 1986
Scenario summary
Mr A and Mr B farm neighbouring rural holdings; A runs cattle and sheep while B grows tillage crops. On B's side of the shared boundary wall stand tall trees whose roots gradually break the surface and undermine the wall's foundations, until the wall gives way at a repair cost of €10,000.
B's dog then strays onto A's land and torments the sheep, sending the flock bolting into ditches and barbed wire, with losses of €20,000. The dog next rushes at A, pulling up just before impact; startled, A topples backwards and cracks his head.
Candidates are asked to advise A on his tort claims against B.
This is a LawShortcut scenario summary written in our own words. For the exact examined wording, use the official King’s Inns paper linked above.
What this model answer covers
Issues and structure addressed in the full LawShortcut model answer:
- 1. The Tree Roots and Collapsed Wall
- 2. The Sheep — Control of Dogs Act 1986
- 3. Mr A's Head Injury — Was There an “Attack”?
- 4. Damages
Read the complete LawShortcut model answer to this question — reading the question, issue spotting, the applicable law, application to the facts and conclusions — inside the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault.
Part of the King’s Inns Tort Model Answer Vault — 30 independently authored model answers, 2020—2025.