Prosecution over dog barking

Published Tuesday 26 September, 2023
Last updated on Thursday 29 February, 2024

A man has been successfully prosecuted for not complying with a noise abatement notice after dogs on his property were left to bark throughout the day.

Swale Borough council officers attended noise complaints multiple times at a private property, in Boughton Under Blean, where they witnessed kennel facilities that housed more than 20 dogs at a time.

These dogs were left to bark uncontrollably and would begin from six in the morning and often continue into the afternoon.  

A noise abatement notice was first handed to the property owner on the 28 October 2022, and officers have since received numerous noise complaints and witnessed five breaches.  

The owner was convicted at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 8 September 2023 after failing to attend court.  

He was ordered to pay a £250 fine, a victim surcharge of £100, a compensation order of £100 to be payable to a nearby resident and £800 costs totalling £1250.

Council officers will continue to monitor the property and take further action if necessary.

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the Community Committee said:

“We are very happy with the outcome of this case and now some justice has been served.

“We take noise complaints very seriously and our officers worked very hard to get to this resolution.

“Gathering evidence, conducting interviews and attending the property in the early hours of the morning to witness his transgressions.  

“Officers will keep an eye on the property and take any additional steps where necessary.”  

If you are suffering from a noise nuisance you can report it online.