Seventy dogs make a lot of noise, they bark all day Meeanee residents sick of loud barking coming from the Pet2Us Kennel and Cattery have appealed to Napier City Council for help reducing noise levels.
Council staff yesterday told the regulatory committee meeting noise levels had been an issue fora number of years, dating back to previous owners, but there was only one recent noise reading that exceeded the District Plan controls.
Residents Susan and Stephen Rogerson said the noise levels varied but had worsened lately.
"In the last four years it has just got noisier," she said. "Some days it can be very quiet and we want to know why, and that is the stupid point about it. We don't expect the kennels to go away, we're not naive.
"Seventy dogs make a lot of noise, they bark all day and it actually drives you quite insane."
Mrs Rogerson submitted on behalf of 26 people to the Napier City Council's draft Long Term Plan on the issue, which was deferred to yesterday's meeting. The Rogersons said they were happy to work with the council to find a solution.
"They're entitled to be in business and we want them to be in business, and [to] flourish."
Pet2Us owner Trevor Neave said they had already taken steps to mitigate the noise coming from the kennels, including roof extensions, anti-bark collars and noise control machines, and gate covers to restrict the dogs' visibility and stimulation levels.
"Dogs bark, that is how they communicate," he said. "We're working with the council to do everything we can to appease a smaller percentage of the population who are unhappy with what we do; who don't want dogs barking at all.
"You can't come into the area and not know what is going on, and if you've lived 30 years in the area you know the kennels are here. I don't see why we should be penalised."
Mr Neave said they had not expanded but were simply running an efficient business.
The committee yesterday decided to continue working towards a solution.
