Noisy Dogs Cost Owners £6,000

Noisy dogs have cost two residents over £6,000 in fines after they failed to stop them causing a noise nuisance.

Sharon Bagnall and Stephen  Edwards of Summerhill were found guilty, on Thursday by Wrexham Magistrates of allowing their dogs to bark excessively so as to cause a noise nuisance.

The  owners failed to appear in the court and the case was heard in their absence.

The court heard that how the dogs barked at various times of the day and night which resulted in complaints to Wrexham Council’s Public Protection Department.  Environmental Health Officers investigated and found there was a noise nuisance caused by the excessive barking.  The owners were issued with a Noise Abatement Notice which was breached on several occasions between November 2012 and March 2013 resulting in yesterday’s prosecution.

Cllr David Griffiths, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social care, said: “This is a good result which reflects the severity of the nuisance caused to neighbours who had to endure constant barking for prolonged periods of time.  Noise nuisance not only affects people’s quality of life and well-being but can also impact on health.”

Residents who are affected by noise nuisance should contact the council’s Contact Centre on 01978 298989 to report the matter.

Further information or advice is available on the Public Protection web pages on the Council’s website – www.wrexham.gov.uk.

The courts also awarded costs of £90 each and a victim surcharge of £50 each.