Shotley dog owner fined over £1,000 after neighbours complain about barking
Persistent barking led to a breach of a noise abatement notice.
A man from Shotley has been fined more than £1,000 after repeatedly allowing his dog to cause serious noise disturbance, despite ongoing complaints from neighbours and formal warnings.
Derek Wyndow, of Hervey Road, was found guilty in his absence at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on 20th October 2025 for breaching an abatement notice on 13 occasions. The notice was issued by Babergh District Council following complaints about persistent barking that residents said was disrupting their lives.
Environmental protection officers launched an investigation after neighbours reported regular noise from Wyndow’s dog. Using noise monitoring equipment, council officers confirmed excessive barking and howling throughout the day, sometimes as early as 6am.
Some recordings documented up to 200 barks in a single episode, with residents saying they were often woken early in the morning by the noise.
Despite numerous warnings and opportunities to resolve the problem, magistrates concluded that Wyndow had not taken reasonable steps to prevent further disturbance.
Wyndow was fined £660, ordered to pay £100 in costs to the council, and given a victim surcharge of £264, bringing the total to £1,024.
Cllr Laura Smith, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “Our environmental protection team works hard to resolve noise complaints through constructive engagement with those involved.
“Sadly, in this case, repeated efforts were ignored, leaving prosecution as the only option.
“While the occasional bark is part of everyday life, persistent noise can severely impact neighbours’ wellbeing and may even affect the dog’s welfare.
“This case serves as a reminder that pet ownership comes with responsibilities. I commend our officers for their diligence in securing a successful outcome that protects public health and animal welfare.”