Wrexham Council attended court earlier this month for the prosecution of a resident who ignored an abatement notice after complaints about his dogs’ barking.
Mr. Christian of Pen-y-Maes Avenue, Wrexham, pleaded guilty to all five counts of breaching an Abatement Notice and was sentenced by the magistrates court to a fine of £1250, as well as a £500 victim surcharge and a further £180 in costs.
The Abatement Notice was issued in February 2023 following a number of complaints about excessive dog barking during the day and night. The order was to abate the noise nuisance and prevent it reoccurring.
In summing up, the council’s solicitor told of the significant impact that the noise had had on the local residents. This included the great harm that had been caused to residents, referring to sleepless nights, having to move out to get a decent night’s sleep, the need to take medication to help cope with sleeping at home.
Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for strategic planning and public protection, thanked all the residents for their efforts to support the investigation into the dog barking, which had seriously impacted their lives over the last two years. He said: “The ownership of dogs is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. Both care for the dog and consideration for your neighbours’ must be considered at the time you decide to have a pet. You must be able to care for both the animal ensure your surrounding neighbours are not materially affected by your choice. This prosecution sends a clear signal that Wrexham Council is prepared to take enforcement action where necessary.”
