A London man has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 in fines and costs after his dogs were barking too loudly - in the aptly named borough of Barking and Dagenham.
Syed Uzeir Iqbal, 35, faced legal action after neighbours complained about excessive noise from his property, where he was operating kennels for security K9 dog units.
The total penalty of £1,923.74 was imposed at Barkingside Magistrates' Court last week after Iqbal failed to address multiple warnings from council officials.
In February 2024, the council received multiple noise complaints from neighbours about Iqbal's three-bedroom end-terrace house.
Environmental officers visited the property and documented "extreme noise" coming from the premises.
The noise levels were determined to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, prompting officials to issue an abatement notice.
A subsequent inspection revealed the property was being used to kennel security K9 dog units.
Despite the abatement notice, further complaints of excessive noise continued, with council officers confirming a breach on June 13.
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The council issued a £150 fixed penalty notice, giving Iqbal 14 days to pay and discharge his liability.
A reminder letter was sent on July 2, but the penalty remained unpaid.
On September 25, the council issued a final notice of intended prosecution.
After receiving no response, officials withdrew the fixed penalty notice and issued a court summons for failing to abate a statutory nuisance.
On January 28, Iqbal failed to attend Barkingside Magistrates' Court and was found guilty in his absence. The court ordered him to pay a fine of £660 within 28 days.
Additional costs included £1,001.74 to be paid to the council and a victim surcharge of £262. The combined penalties brought the total amount Iqbal must pay to £1,923.74.
Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety at Barking and Dagenham Council, emphasised that the authority takes such complaints "very seriously".
"Excessive noise nuisance affects the quality of life for our residents," said Cllr Ghani.
The council must investigate all dog barking complaints, considering factors such as volume, duration and time of day.
If deemed a statutory nuisance, the council typically issues a warning letter before proceeding with formal action.
Find Out More...
Syed Uzeir Iqbal, 35, faced legal action after neighbours complained about excessive noise from his property, where he was operating kennels for security K9 dog units.
The total penalty of £1,923.74 was imposed at Barkingside Magistrates' Court last week after Iqbal failed to address multiple warnings from council officials.
In February 2024, the council received multiple noise complaints from neighbours about Iqbal's three-bedroom end-terrace house.
Environmental officers visited the property and documented "extreme noise" coming from the premises.
The noise levels were determined to be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, prompting officials to issue an abatement notice.
A subsequent inspection revealed the property was being used to kennel security K9 dog units.
Despite the abatement notice, further complaints of excessive noise continued, with council officers confirming a breach on June 13.
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The council issued a £150 fixed penalty notice, giving Iqbal 14 days to pay and discharge his liability.
A reminder letter was sent on July 2, but the penalty remained unpaid.
On September 25, the council issued a final notice of intended prosecution.
After receiving no response, officials withdrew the fixed penalty notice and issued a court summons for failing to abate a statutory nuisance.
On January 28, Iqbal failed to attend Barkingside Magistrates' Court and was found guilty in his absence. The court ordered him to pay a fine of £660 within 28 days.
Additional costs included £1,001.74 to be paid to the council and a victim surcharge of £262. The combined penalties brought the total amount Iqbal must pay to £1,923.74.
Councillor Syed Ghani, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety at Barking and Dagenham Council, emphasised that the authority takes such complaints "very seriously".
"Excessive noise nuisance affects the quality of life for our residents," said Cllr Ghani.
The council must investigate all dog barking complaints, considering factors such as volume, duration and time of day.
If deemed a statutory nuisance, the council typically issues a warning letter before proceeding with formal action.
Find Out More...