Woman could lose barking dog

The life of Baxta, a 6-year-old Labrador cross dog, hangs in the balance as the Tauranga City Council decides whether the dog should be permanently removed from its Maungatapu home.

Baxta's night-time barking has been waking neighbours since his "master" died and ownership transferred to Kathryn Edwards last year.

Mrs Edwards told the council's hearings committee today she would probably have to put Baxta down because all her friends lived in town and she could not ask them to take him.

Today's hearing heard that the first complaint was received on May 22 last year, followed by a further 13 complaints from three households.

Animal services team leader Brent Lincoln said that each time the council took action following a complaint there was a reprieve in the barking, only to begin a short time later.

A final warning was issued on August 8 this year but after two further complaints were received, the council issued a notice to remove the dog on August 27. Mrs Edwards appealed in an email on September 18, saying she could not understand where this was coming from. She said Baxta was a dog that did not like strangers and barked if he did not know someone well.

"It is only in the last two years that we have had this problem since my husband passed away. I do not believe Baxta is a problem. I have done everything you have asked me to. I think the person or persons that have gone to you have the problem because they know I haven't got Clint here anymore and [are] picking on me."

Mrs Edwards told the hearing that she felt responsible but did not know what to do. She said he barked at cats and did not like anything on his territory. She did not walk Baxta because he was too strong for her hands although she did play with him and throw him balls on her large section.

"I want to keep the peace so if he has to go, he has to go...I have tried everything."
She said her only option was to put him down. "It will be sad, I know that, but I can't cope with all this," she said as her voice broke with sadness.

"This is stressing me to the max."