The man was criticised for the route he takes his dog on walks (stock photo) (Image: monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images)
In the UK, a staggering 13.5 million households are home to at least one dog, accounting for about 36% of all homes. It’s a common sight to see dog walkers in parks, and even those without a canine companion often have a soft spot for these furry friends.
However, not everyone is so amiable towards dogs, as one man’s “obnoxious” neighbour has demonstrated. She has become so incensed by his chosen route for walking his pet that she’s threatened to “kick” the animal if it approaches her property.
The anonymous man shared on Reddit that he and his partner moved into a new flat last year with plans to get a dog, and in June, they welcomed their puppy.
He lives on the second floor, while the irate neighbour resides on the ground floor. His routine walks with the dog, passing by her windows, have sparked her anger.
She particularly dislikes the dog’s natural need to relieve itself on the grass near their building. The owners have tried to encourage their pet to do its business further away, yet the neighbour remains enraged, now resorting to threats against both the dog and its owners.
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A man has recounted his neighbour’s extreme reactions to his dog’s bathroom habits, stating: “She has demanded that we stop him from peeing near her apartment, including the grass by our staircase. We said no. She then demanded that we stop him from peeing on the grass near the parking lot. We said no again. At this point, her demands included most of the immediate grass around our apartment building.”
He continued, detailing the escalation of the situation: “Since we weren’t willing to be her doormats, she has escalated. She now yells at us whenever she sees us walking our dog. She has threatened to pee by our door to see how we like it, or to get dog poop and put it on the staircase, which is honestly unhinged behaviour.”
The man sought assistance from his apartment management company, who sided with him against the unreasonable neighbour.
Despite the backing, the neighbour persisted with her threats: “Two days ago she threatened to kick our dog if she saw him again. That was the last straw for us, and now we are working with the apartment company and the police to hopefully get her to stop her harassment of us.”
Online commenters rallied behind the man, advising him to collaborate with his property manager and the police to address the neighbour’s menacing behaviour.
One commenter expressed their support, saying: “Sadly, there are too many people who suck the joy out of life and the little things, like walking our dogs. Hope she gets fined, and evicted.”
Another person suggested: “In anticipation of her harassment, record as much of it as you can before going to the leasing office to file a formal complaint. Without evidence, it could just turn into a ‘he said, she said’ situation.”
However, one individual sympathised with the neighbour’s perspective, commenting: “She is definitely not in the right, but having your dog pee right by her window was just plain uncivil, especially in summer. Did you rinse everything with water before you left?”
What is the law on dog fouling?
Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, leaving dog fouling in a public area, including communal spaces, is an offence. The Litter (Animal Droppings) Order 1991, made under the Environmental Protection Act (1990), also requires local authorities to keep certain areas clear of dog faeces, including any land laid out as a garden, any public walkway, any esplanade or promenade, and any picnic sites.
According to Keep Britain Tidy, anyone who fails to clear up after their dog could be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. However, if the case goes to court, this could cost the owner up to £1,000.
The law states that being unaware that a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag to pick it up with are not reasonable excuses, and you could still be fined.