**Pet Owner Prosecuted After Dogs’ Barking Causes Neighbour Distress in Porth**
A woman from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf has been prosecuted after persistent complaints that her dogs’ incessant barking subjected her neighbour to months of disruption and distress. The case, heard at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court, shed light on the significant impact noise nuisances can have within communities, as well as the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
The ordeal began when a neighbour, overwhelmed by the relentless barking, started to document the problem in remarkable detail. Over a span of just three months, the neighbour amassed a total of 225 audio recordings, all capturing the dogs’ noisy outbursts. This body of evidence was submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, prompting officials from the Environmental Health department to launch an investigation.
Following the complaint, environmental health officers paid visits to the affected property, where they witnessed first-hand the “continuous barking” that had been plaguing the area. Officials determined that the sheer frequency and volume of the noise amounted to a statutory nuisance, meaning it reached a threshold where it could potentially harm health or significantly disrupt someone’s ability to enjoy their home.
As a result, Keira Marsh, the owner of the dogs, was served with an abatement notice—an official demand requiring her to address the issue and reduce the disturbance. Despite this formal warning and multiple further communications from the council, Marsh reportedly failed to take remedial action or engage with environmental health officers to resolve the ongoing problem.
Matters escalated as the neighbour continued to gather evidence of the barking, ultimately resulting in a case being built against Marsh for not complying with the abatement notice. In court, the evidence was presented, showing not only that multiple dogs were left to bark for extended periods but also that previous instructions from the council were disregarded.
Marsh did not attend the hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court. In her absence, she was found guilty on six separate instances of failing to comply with the abatement notice, a breach of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The court imposed a fine of £300 upon her and ordered her to pay £1,115.27 in costs, alongside a victim surcharge of £120. Altogether, Marsh was left with a bill totalling £1,535.27.
Commenting after the case, Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member at Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “The council’s environmental health team takes all noise complaints seriously. When our officers find clear evidence of statutory nuisance, we first attempt to work positively with those responsible, offering advice and solutions. Regrettably, the lack of cooperation in this case left us no option but to prosecute.”
A spokesperson for the council further addressed the broader issue, pointing out: “The occasional bark is part and parcel of dog ownership and usually poses little problem. But, persistent barking is another matter and can severely impact people’s wellbeing and ability to enjoy their property. It’s also worth noting that such circumstances may hint at welfare issues for the dogs themselves.”
Local authorities emphasise the importance of communication between neighbours when such issues arise. Residents are encouraged to speak openly and amicably with pet owners about noise concerns. However, should conversations fail to resolve the matter, formal complaints to the council can be made, as in this case.
The situation highlights not only the significant burden that noise nuisance can place on individuals, but also the importance of responsible pet ownership and proactive community conflict resolution. As this case demonstrates, failure to heed official warnings can lead to substantial financial penalties and legal consequences.