Dogsey

A couple of dog owners have been landed with fines of more than £1,700 after their pet pooches barked more than 150 times in just 51 minutes.

The persistent yapping by the two bichon frises drove neighbours mad and environmental health officers were called out to record the noise.

Owners Martin and Julie Carlin had already been served with an order telling them to stop the barking but were hauled into court after they failed to do so.

The pair admitted five counts of failing to comply with a noise abatement notice.

The barking went on all day after the couple left their home and was a “rather annoying noise”, Fareham Magistrates Court, Hants, heard.

Richard Gustar, a council worker, visited their neighbourhood after a neighbour complained and said the dogs were “barking more than not”.

His statement read in court said: "There was barking and howling on and off, barking for several seconds, then barking again.

"I stepped outside and the noise from the barking dogs was even louder. The dogs were barking more than not.

"It was a rather annoying noise and the neighbours said this was likely to go on all day."

Admitting the charges, Mr Carlin, 52, said: "We know the dogs barked on those particular occasions and we want to try and resolve the matter and move on."

Mrs Carlin did not attend court due to ill health and Mr Carlin represented himself.

He said they had taken steps to control the dogs since becoming aware, including buying 'bark collars' - devices designed to train dogs to bark less.

He added: "We have changed their collars and now they don't even bark when someone comes to the door."

Mr Carlin was fined £100 for each offence, ordered to pay £300 in costs and a victim surcharge of £20, totalling £820.

Mrs Carlin was fined £75 for each offence, was ordered to pay £500 costs and a victim surcharge of £20, totalling £895.