A 47-year old Dunedin man whose three Irish Wolfhounds ferociously attacked a woman last December has been ordered to undergo 150 hours of community service, and pay $8000 in reparation to the victim.

The District Court heard how Thomas O'Neill was distracted when the victim, whose identity has been suppressed, approached the dogs last December.

The defence counsel said it was the first instance of an aggressive act from the dogs, which have since been put down.

Judge Kevin Phillips told the court the risk of an attack was always present.