Cuschieri Te Puia v Sheerin [2020] NSWDC 527

District Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Cuschieri Te Puia v Sheerin [2020] NSWDC 527 Hearing dates: 4 August 2020 Date of orders: 14 September 2020 Decision date: 14 September 2020 Jurisdiction: Civil Before: Judge Levy SC Decision: 1. Verdict and judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $315,500; 2. The defendant is to pay the plaintiff's costs on the ordinary basis unless otherwise ordered; 3. The exhibits may be returned; 4. Liberty to apply on 7 days' notice if further or other orders are required. Catchwords: ANIMALS – plaintiff attacked and wounded by two dogs owned by the defendant – whether strict liability applies pursuant to s 25(1) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW); DAMAGES – assessment of claimed heads of damage Legislation Cited: Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), s 16 Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), s 25 Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW), s 3, s 10 Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic), s 29 Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), s 60 Cases Cited: Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Kerr [2012] NSWCA 13 Anchor Brewhouse Developments Ltd v Berkley House (Docklands Developments) Ltd (1987) 2 EGLR 173 Bernstein of Leigh (Baron) v Skyview & General Ltd [1978] QB 479 Daw v Toyworld (NSW) Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 25 Johnson v Buchanan [2012] VSC 195 LJP Investments Pty Ltd & Anor v Howard Chia Investments Pty Ltd (1989) 24 NSWLR 490 Penrith City Council v Parks [2004] NSWCA 201 Simon v Condran [2013] NSWCA 388 Simpson v Bannerman (1932) 47 CLR 378; [1932] HCA 43 State of NSW v Moss (2000) 54 NSWLR 536; [2000] NSWCA 133 Wynn v NSW Insurance Ministerial Corporation (1995) 184 CLR 485; [1995] HCA 53 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Dejgaren Cuschieri Te Puia bht Dodie Cuschieri (Plaintiff) Noella Jane Sheerin (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: Mr R Sheldon SC with Ms K Boettcher (Plaintiff) Mr B Hull (Defendant)