A neighbour of a shelter for abandoned dogs complained about incessant barking, stating the noise “disturbs me day and night.” A recent court ruling has now sided with her complaint.
“A dog shelter isn’t just a kennel: it’s a home, a social institution, a reference point for those who believe in animal protection. This is especially critical in summer when abandonment risks peak. We were established in that area years before the complainant moved nearby,” stated Sara Plozza, president of the Sondrio provincial branch of animal welfare society Enpa. Plozza criticized the civil court judge’s ruling, issued days ago, which threatens the operation of the Mountain Zoophilic Facility in Valtellina (Sondrio) and the welfare of its dogs.
The single judge condemned Enpa “to reduce active dog kennels from 16 to 5.” Plozza filed an appeal against this urgent measure today with the Sondrio panel of judges.
The legal case began in 2022 when “a neighbour of the facility reported disturbance caused – in her opinion – by the dogs’ barking, which allegedly made it impossible to rest or live peacefully in her home.” The judge imposed an immediate reduction in the number of animals housed. Plozza condemned this as an “unjust and disproportionate decision. Where are we supposed to place the other dogs in the middle of August, with shelters already overflowing due to seasonal abandonments?” She added, “There’s also a daily fine of 50 euros (1,500 euros per month) payable to the neighbour for each day the measure isn’t respected.” Enpa must additionally install a soundproof barrier.
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