**Pet Duck Dispute Simmers in Council Estate as Neighbours Cry Foul over Car Mess Claims**
A simmering dispute has erupted in a quiet neighbourhood near Perth, Scotland, as a resident claims she is being unfairly targeted over her beloved Muscovy ducks. Katie Della Bennett, aged 39, has found herself at the centre of a bitter row after neighbours accused her two rescue ducks of soiling nearby cars—a charge she vehemently denies.
Katie, a dedicated animal lover, rescued her ducks, named Duke and Daisy, four years ago and has since provided them with a home alongside her two dogs and three cats in her council-owned property. For years, she believed the neighbourhood was supportive of her enthusiasm for animals. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically following what she describes as a series of groundless complaints.
The drama began in 2022 when the Scottish SPCA arrived unannounced at Katie’s home. The welfare charity launched an investigation after receiving claims that her ducks and other pets were being improperly cared for. Taken aback, Katie insisted she has always ensured her animals are well looked after, stating, “My animals are absolutely everything. I have no family—these animals are my only companions.”
It was not long before more grievances trickled in. Six months after the initial SSPCA visit, Perth & Kinross Council contacted Katie following reports of duck droppings along the pavement. Katie rejected these allegations, asserting that her ducks had never set foot on the roadway outside her home. According to Katie, putting the birds outside unsupervised was not an option, as she is meticulous about their well-being and whereabouts.
The complaints, however, did not subside. More recently, neighbours alleged that Daisy and Duke were defecating on parked cars—a claim that Katie rebuts with a degree of exasperation. She points out that both ducks have clipped wings, meaning they are physically incapable of flying over fences or across cars, making such complaints implausible. “It’s almost laughable,” she commented. “My ducks can’t even get off the ground, let alone reach a car roof.”
Katie has characterised the ongoing campaign as malicious, speculating that certain neighbours are motivated by a personal dislike rather than genuine concern for animal welfare. While she describes her ducks as “quiet and clean,” she admits the past three years have been stressful, with each new complaint taking its toll. “It’s relentless,” Katie admitted, “and it’s hard not to take it personally when you care so much for your animals.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Katie remains defiant. She maintains that Daisy and Duke are compliant with all regulations, from licensing to proper care, and has documentation to prove it. She also stresses how important their presence is to her daily life. “My ducks are like my children. They’re not going anywhere.”
A wider question raised by this ongoing neighbourhood feud is the challenge of balancing individual pet ownership with mutual respect in shared spaces. While councils and animal charities play an essential role in ensuring welfare standards, residents also rely on open communication and tolerance within their communities.
Both Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish SPCA have been approached for further comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the situation continues to highlight the complexities of modern living—where even a pair of rescue ducks can sometimes spark discord that lingers for years.
For now, Katie hopes for a resolution that will allow her and her feathered companions to live in peace, urging those with concerns to speak with her directly. “I just wish they’d come to me,” she said. “All I want is what’s best for my animals, and for everyone to get along.”
As many look on, the case underscores not only the peculiar disputes that can arise in local communities but also the importance of compassion and fair process when tensions do flare.