A DOG owner has been fined £400 after numerous complaints about her pet's barking.

At Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 October, Paula Readings of Mornington Close was found guilty of seven charges of breaching a noise abatement notice.

The woman, who lives in the village of Baughurst, was ordered to pay a fine of £400, a victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £500.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “We receive a large number of noise nuisance complaints and noise from barking dogs is one of the most common.

“Barking is very normal behaviour, however residents should not be disturbed by prolonged periods of barking, especially at night. We will investigate complaints of barking and work with owners to try to remedy the situation. However if the noise continues dog owners could face the prospect of going to court as in this case.”

For more information or to report noise nuisance visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/noise