TWO dog owners from Basingstoke have been fined after a neighbour complained of persistent barking at their home. 

Carl Barrington, 37, and Victoria Creagh, 31, formerly of Pinks Lane, Baughurst, admitted breaching a noise abatement notice served by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.

Mr Barrington was fined £240 for one offence, on November 19, last year, with no separate penalties for subsequent breaches.

He was also ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £24. Victoria Creagh was fined £120, ordered to pay a contribution towards prosecution costs of £120 and a victim surcharge of £20.

The court heard how the council had received numerous complaints from neighbours about the persistent barking from the couple’s eight dogs. 

After notices were served on both Barrington and Creagh, they rehomed six of their dogs. However, they were then prosecuted for 11 breaches of this notice, and were eventually moved out of their Baughurst home in February this year.

Cabinet member for regulatory services and the environment at the council, Cllr Hayley Eachus said persistent barking from a neighbours’ dog can causes distress for those living nearby. 

Cllr Eachus said: “I hope the court’s decision to impose fines on both offenders in this case will act as a deterrent to others and a reminder that the council will act swiftly to prevent further noise nuisances in the community.

“Dogs barking when they are left alone is a common problem. About 40 per cent of the noise complaints received by the council involve barking dogs, if you are leaving your dog at home for periods of time you really do need to monitor whether they are barking.”

The council takes complaints of noise very serious, investigating anything from loud music, shouting, deliberate banging and construction activities at unsociable hours. 

For more information or to report noise nuisance visit basingstoke.gov.uk/noise.