A woof is enough: City to fine owners of barking dogs

A FRENCH mayor has issued a decree banning dogs from barking too much in his village, prompting furious animal rights activists to claim he is curbing canine freedoms.

The mayor of Feuquières, near Amiens in northern France published the decree after receiving a flurry of complaints from among the village’s 1,500 inhabitants about the incessant barking of some dogs.

Starting on Monday, owners of dogs who fail to keep in check “prolonged or repeated barking” of their pets are liable for a “third category fine of €68”.

Jean-Pierre Estienne, the mayor, said his aim was to rein in repeat offenders.

“The aim is not to ban dogs and we won’t be fining people for the slightest hint of a yap,” he said.

“The town has nothing against dogs, but when you decide to have them, you educate them.”

He suggested owners keep dogs inside when not present.