MONTEGO BAY, St James — Hyacinth Thompson is preparing to face trial following allegations that her dog bit another woman.

Thompson, who had previously entered a not guilty plea, appeared in court on Wednesday as the matter moved closer to a formal hearing.

During the session, Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton set the trial date for October 1. The court also extended Thompson’s bail, allowing her to remain free while awaiting trial.

Details of the incident itself remain limited, as the precise date of the alleged dog bite was not disclosed in court. However, it was reported that the complainant was walking past Thompson’s gate when she was allegedly approached by the dog, which then bit her. The encounter prompted the filing of charges against Thompson, resulting in the current legal proceedings.

In her defence, Thompson denied owning the dog involved in the incident. She maintained that she could not be held responsible for the actions of the animal, asserting that it did not belong to her. The complainant, however, directly contradicted this claim, stating that she personally knows the dog and is confident it belongs to Thompson. This conflicting testimony highlights a central point that will need to be addressed during the upcoming trial.

The trial is expected to examine all evidence and testimony related to the incident, including the ownership of the dog and the circumstances surrounding the alleged bite. Until that time, Thompson remains on extended bail.