Animal sanctuary faces battle in court after noise complaint

Why don't all you kind-hearted hypocrites go out to this "animal sanctuary" and adopt a barking dog? That way, the neighborhood would not have an issue with the 24-hour-a-day barking.

Once again, this "newspaper" reports only one side of the story. The area is NOT rural, the place is surrounded by houses on ALL sides (whose owners have lived there for over 15 years with other animals and no complaints), the property is ALREADY bordered by fences and trees (which, by the way, do nothing to stop barking noise - where is the science in that?), and to top it all off, the "owner/manager" of this place DOES NOT EVEN LIVE THERE, so she does not have to suffer the constant barking that all the neighbors must tolerate. None of the volunteers live there either, so they can go back to their own quiet neighborhoods and houses and not hear constant barking after they put the dogs in their kennels 24-hours a day.

So, unless you are compelled to put up the money and come adopt one of these dogs that nobody else wanted - otherwise, why would they be there? -you have no right to judge these neighbors until you know ALL the facts. Why don't you hypocrites invite this business of animal rescue

Get some freaking earplugs. Leave those poor animals alone. Some people just SUCK.

I've been out here. The truth is there is lots of people in that area who have dogs that bark. There is also a police rifle range in the same area. I think it wouldn't matter whose dogs are barking, because it is an animal sanctuary, this guy is blaming them for the noise. But you can here lots of other dogs, farm animals, cars, tractors, and gun fire from this general area. If he wins against them, what's he going to complain about next?
The real fact is this guy has no right to complain about these specific dogs. Living in the rural area near farms, you are going to have noise from animals. If he was in an urban environment, he’d be complaining about the load music from his neighbors or kids making noise. I don't see it being OK to kill some animals so some guy can sit on his porch with out noise. The reality is, even without these dogs, there will be other noises that he will find annoying and complain about as well. As I stated earlier, the police rifle range is in the very same area, so the even louder sound of gun shots will be a nuisance as well.

A Seller of residential property must disclose a nuisance; barking dogs lower property values because they lower a neighborhood's qiality of life.

Surely there can be a compromise of some sort...just wondering how the gentleman would feel about telling a deployed soldier on his return from Iraq that he was responsible for his/her dog being killed as a result of his complaint?

By all means, the shelter should continue. I deeply admire people who provide sanctuary for homeless animals. If more homes are being built in the area, the property the shelter is on must have increased in value. Why not move it to a more rural area where the price of land is lower? For the same price, the shelter could have more space and build new facilities.

I used to live in Hilltop, and could not stand the airplane noise. Consideration needs to be given to the homeowner, but under no circumstances should the animals be killed. That homeowner would have blood on his\her hands!

I wish all I heard was the sound of barking dogs in my neighborhood. Last week I called the police when I heard what sounded like a machine gun-turns out it was an AK-47. Maybe that explains the bullet I found in my yard. Yes-barking dogs would be a nice change.

I would bet it gives some sort of time frames like maybe after 10 PM and as far as the noise levels I would bet its measured in decibels with levels one could really make an argument out of this a simple bark would deminish in decibels over any kind of distance with or without any thing blocking it or absorbing it I would put the man on the spot and offer to test or measure the sound levels where he finds it invading his quit zone I could really side with the man if he lived in the city where your not talking arces but feet and Im guessing this man does not have any animals himself because people in glass houses should not throw stones

and mind your own business. If that is what you expect others to do, then heed your own words. If you are not willing to do that then you can't expect others to do the same. If you don't wnat to listen to any others opinions...log off and don't come back to the page. This is an open forum where anyone can declare their point of view. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't give you the right to tell everyone to mind their own business...

JMHO

the area is roughly 3600 feet by 2400 feet. You're correct; I used a measurement of area vice distance. Overall I would say the distance between Web of Life and the complaintant is less that a 1 acre parcel. As others have noted, this area, although rual, is populated by some large tracts and houses. Not sure how long the complaintant has been there but Web of Life has been there 3 years & I am assuming has not had much problems until now? Maybe due to an increase of animals for various reasons (economy?). My point was that this is not in the "middle of nowhere" as some might think but this is something that could(should) have been taken care of prior to involving the city...we know how they can be in their infinite wisdom!!!

Why can't we all just get a long? Good Job for looking after God’s creatures.

Excuse me folks but why do you BUY a house anyways ? TO LIVE !!! A Homeowner has EVERY expectation to enjoy HIS HOME !

Unless you have HAD to put up w/ a constantly Barking Dog, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself ! Mind you, we're talking how MANY dogs?

I imagine this Poor Soul has called Animal Control numerous time's and FINALLY got FED UP and filed the Complaint.

Animal Rescue is Great, no problem with that. But, how many of YOU posting comments would FREAK OUT if it was in YOUR backyard?

Plant a tree line and install a fence to help block the sounds. That would at least offer some damper to the barking, which can get on your last nerve, but at least these dogs are alive.

could you clarify your dimensions a little please? Acres are a measure of area, not distance so 2/3 acre by 1/2 acre don't make sense.

Guy has a right to peace. Shut the dogs up.

Bernard Roche go and get a life. let this sanctuary do its job.

Orion, this is not a political issue. Please save the political attacks for the other forums. Good grief!

Yes, there are many unanswered questions among the liberal slant:

How much of the seven acres is used for the kennels as compared to the other, larger wildlife?

They mention it's rural; however there are many large houses on large lots in that area of West Road. The Pilot makes it out to be in the middle of nowhere when it is not (Google map the site and do a satellite view).

Those houses have been there for at least 15 years, the sanctuary for three. I am sure people have lived there longer than that.

Does this individual have all the necessary permits for such activity?

I don't have a problem with this effort to aid animals, but when it encroaches on someone else's property (odor, sound, etc.) then something must be done.

(I live close by) and Web of Life Rescue sits on about 7 acres, the distances involved here are smaller than you might think. The area bounded by West Rd, Number Ten Ln; Sentry Dr, & Herring Ditch Rd encompasses a space that measures about 2/3 of and acre by about 1/2 acre (roughly). By the story's facts, the compaintant lives "off of Number Ten Lane" so I take that to mean Sentry Rd. At the very best, his property is only 2/3 of a mile from the rescue property and since there is not much of a wind break of trees & such, & given that sound does carry across these pastures, it is possible that he is hearing a considerable amount of noise. But if his complaint was never taken to the crew at Web of Life & a solution discussed, then that would be "unneighborly". Folks in this area pride themselves on being good neighbors and watching out for each other & their properties. This guy should have tried a different approach first. If he did with no results then he has a valid complaint -but he isn't making any friends. Web of Life does great work.

Of all the self-centered, frivolous lawsuits! I'm sure this gentleman would have preferred the city consult him before allowing a rescue shelter to be built. How cold do you have to be to take to court a no-kill, non-profit shelter simply because you are home during the day and the barking annoys you? The fees they are paying for their attorney would have been better used providing food and care for the animals that depend on them.

but I substitute the noun "jerk" with a more colorful metaphor.

Hello Fellow Bloggers, Before everyone starts lambasting Mr. Plough for simply wanting to enjoy life without the annoying sounds of barking dogs and whatever else might make loud noises in the sanctuary, perhaps a drive out to Chesapeake to listen for yourselves might be a good idea. I am fortunate to live in a semi country neighborhood which is peaceful, alongside a lake with geese, birds, racoons, squirrels and other beautiful creatures. It only takes one neighbors yelping dog to change my serenity. One dog makes about three start yelping back and forth. At least for me this is rare, and can be contained with a call to neighbors. Regardless of who lived there first, everyone deserves peace and quiet. Maybe the dogs need to move to a different shelter removed from residences.

moved because of complaints also? when did the complainer move to the area? I will gladly send a pair of noise reducing ear plugs to the guy that complained.

Regarding Mr. Roche, maybe he could come over and plant some trees, fast growing arborvitae that would help block the sound from the kennels. He would be giving back to the community and helping himself. Donate some chewy bones to shut their mouths, or if he is really feeling like spending, some bark collars. Perhaps the kennel should do these things anyway.

7 acres isn't much. It must smell and be loud, so I am not saying he doesn't have a reasonable amount of noise to complain about...but trying to solve the problem another way may be best for all.

Shame on all of you who are judging Bernard without having spent the past three years in his shoes. You haven't even heard his side of the story. What a bunch of judgmental finger-waggers we have around here. Honestly, the posting policy must allow third graders to post on here. Grow up. This article doesn't come close to providing enough info to make a judgment either way.

The complaintant really does need to find something to do. Are you standing on your property line with a megaphone up to your ear to hear your neighbor? The sanctuary is on 7 acres so you can't be that close. Go volunteer to help them instead of complaining.

We should all thank Bernard E. Roche for reminding us that no good deed goes unpunished. Did he try contacting the rescue first and bringing his concerns to their attention? Did the police give a warning before this citation? If not, then shame on the police department as well for showing no trace of humanity.

...who complained about the noise the hula-hoop lady was making. We have forgotten how to be charitable in this country. It's all about ME and to hell with everybody else.

Just how far is this person's house from the nearest dog pen??

Whoever made this complaint is sick and evil and might as well make friends with Mike Vick. Web of Life is a wonderful rescue offering a valuable service and they chose an ideal setting for their rescue. If you don't like it, move!