The council served the notice in February 2021 to Alfie Smith in response to neighbour complaints about dogs barking at 122 High Street, Walkern.
On Friday, 10 June 2022, Stevenage Magistrates Court heard how, following the serving of the notice, the defendant did not act to prevent further nuisance to their neighbours. The judge agreed with the council’s evidence, ordering Mr Smith to pay a £300 fine and £250 in costs.
In defence, Mr Smith pleaded not guilty, arguing he did not receive the notice which was hand-delivered to the address.
Councillor Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: “We are a dog friendly borough and in the vast majority of cases work closely with owners to resolve issues swiftly and amicably, without the need for legal intervention.
“Our attempts to do that in this instance did not result in the improvements we needed to see for Mr Smiths’ neighbours, whose lives were severely impacted by the disturbance. I hope this sends a strong signal that we will take action where necessary to ensure everyone in East Herts can live peacefully and comfortably in their homes.”
Further information, including how to report noise nuisance, can be found at: www.eastherts.gov.uk/environmental-health/noise-pollution
