Petition bid to end dogs nuisance

Callum Brodie • Published 3 Nov 2008 10:40 0 Comments

Neighbour in action plea

An elderly Datchet resident has started a petition in response to the noise caused by his next-door neighbours dogs.

Peter Hardwick, 80, of Holmlea Road, wants action to be taken against Maurice Seddon, 82, after claiming that he has endured seven years of misery at the hands of his neighbours pack of noisy hounds.

He said: "The noise is persistent through all hours of the day and night. I'm not the only one who's had enough of it, I started a petition in the local shop a few days ago and it already has eight signatures."

Mr Hardwick describes his neighbour as a ‘recluse' who refuses to listen to the wishes of the community.

He continued: "I'm sick and tired of it, there are about 14 mongrels running wild in there. I've launched several court actions through the council, he keeps losing but still nothing's been done."

In January 2007, the Royal Borough issued a Noise Abatement Order on Mr Seddon, despite the pensioner's claims that his army of dogs are vital to his protection.

After a string of failed court appearances, in which the total fines amount to £3,250, Mr Seddon has now appealed to take his legal battle all the way to the European Court of Human Rights in the hope of clearing his name and retaining his beloved pets.

He explained: "I do sympathise with certain neighbours who have to put up with the noise but what they need to understand is that in the past I have been subject to physical attacks on my property and my person.

"I have had bricks thrown through my windows and there are often loiterers with intent outside my property. The dogs create a formidable noise and act as a deterrent against these people."

Mr Seddon has hit back at Mr Hardwick's recent petition. He said: "He is effectively declaring war on me and I don't understand it because I have never done anything to him. Any court action would be crippling for me and I resist it with all my might."

Mr Seddon's latest court appearance was at Reading Crown Court back in January where he was issued with a £2,500 fine.

He is now pinning all his hopes on a European Court hearing at a date yet to be determined.

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This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 03 Nov 08

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