December 4, 2018 11.22 am This story is over 63 months old

Animal shelter ordered to silence dogs over ‘loud barking’

They’ve placed a ban on general visitors to the dog shelter

Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home in North Somercotes has been served a noise abatement notice following a number of repeated complaints of ‘loud barking’.

East Lindsay District Council served the notice to the charity following an investigation after it received a number of complaints from local residents.

The Ark on Donna Nook Road, which has served as a shelter for 33 years, may face the prospect of being unable to take on any more dogs or a worst case scenario of the closure of the charity.

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Attempts have been made to reduce the noise levels, such as moving the dogs around and building higher fences, but with little success.

In response to the notice, the shelter has banned general visitors. Anyone wishing to see a particular dog must book a viewing for the animal.

Sue Rice, the current owner of the Ark, said she fears that the complaints may be coming from newcomers to the area.

The Ark now has five months to reduce noise levels, or face further legal actions.