Dog banned from barking in dusk to dawn curfew

A Croatian dog is in trouble for doing what all dogs do: barking.

Dog banned from barking. Image by Press Association

A fed-up neighbour in a northern Croatian village has won a temporary court order that says the dog, called Medo, must stop barking at night. If not, owner Anton Simunovic must pay some €2,800 (£2,000). The three-year-old dog, now confined to a barn between 8pm and 8am instead of being allowed to roam, is the only dog in Croatia given a no-barking injunction.

Medo’s owner trying to keep him from barking. Image by Press Association

The charges filed by the neighbour say Medo affected her health by barking all the time. Mr Simunovic said that is untrue. “He barks normally, like any dog does,” Mr Simunovic said. “He barks when he sees a cat, or if someone unknown comes to his territory.”

Medo’s troubles have triggered widespread social media interest in the region. More than 30,000 fans have joined a Facebook page supporting Medo since the case hit the headlines earlier this year. Dog owners have sent hundreds of photos of their pets offering solidarity. Even some cats have joined the campaign.

A court in the town of Pula still has to make a final ruling, with the neighbour seeking €1,400 (£1,000) in damages. She did not comment.

(Press Association)