BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE  
Letter to the editor

SA – Under a law that came into effect in South Africa about a decade ago, owners of dogs can be seriously fined in their pet’s barking becomes a nuisance. 
The application of this law – which according to reports can be enforced with fines of between R200 to R20,000 – is considered whenever neighbours complain of a dog that barks continuously for more than six minutes. Your neighbours are certainly entitled to enjoy a quiet night. 
However, those who came up with this legislation may be barking up the wrong tree. What about the noise we sometimes have to endure from our neighbours who have the habit of partying through the night – let alone six minutes? 
What message are we sending out, choosing who are allowed to make noise and who not? The law regarding barking dogs must be revisited as soon as possible People can be much more of a nuisance than our adorable pets!
Devoted dog lover