INCESSANT dog barking has landed a shopkeeper in hot water and saw him slapped with a £600 fine.

Chaand Anjum, the owner of Mecca Food Store, in Ayres Road, Old Trafford, was convicted of noise nuisance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on October 6.

Trafford Council had previously served Anjum with a Noise Abatement Notice after a number of residents complained about dogs in his shop’s yard constantly barking.

The court heard that Anjum had ignored a number of warnings about the disturbance his dogs were causing.

Environmental Health Officers went on to witness the dogs barking for prolonged periods on three separate occasions, during the late evening and night.

Anjum pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with the council notice and was fined £600, and ordered to pay £300 in court costs, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

He was advised by the district judge that he must take action to put a stop to the nuisance, in view of the considerable upset he had caused to his neighbours.

Cllr John Reilly, executive member for economic growth, environment and infrastructure, said: “This conviction reinforces the council’s commitment and determination to protect local people from unacceptable noise nuisance and disturbance.

“We all accept that dogs bark but when owners allow this to continue over long periods of time it has a significant detrimental impact on the lives of those living nearby. This is not something we tolerate.

“By issuing a Noise Abatement Notice, we are making it clear to the dog owner that their dog’s barking had reached an unacceptable level and must be dealt with.

“The consequences of ignoring such a notice is clear. The council will use the full force of the courts to prosecute anyone flouting their responsibilities.”

Anyone concerned about an ongoing noise nuisance which is impacting on their lives can contact the council’s regulatory services on 0161 912 1377.