A DOG breeder is to be allowed to keep all 46 of his German Shepherds, despite noise complaints from neighbours.
Moray Council sought an ASBO against "pack leader" Andrew Debidin, of Rothiemay, after people living nearby claimed their quality of life had been affected by his dogs barking day and night.
However, having heard evidence from noise monitoring experts, Sheriff Susan Raeburn QC said she was satisfied sound levels were not sufficient to cause neighbours in the rural surroundings alarm or distress.
The sheriff dismissed the application, questioning why the council had spent "a great deal of time and of public money" in pursuing the order.
Responding today, Council leader Allan Wright said: "I am disappointed with the sheriff’s ruling and, quite frankly, find it difficult to comprehend.
"She wonders why public time and money has been wasted on this case. The Moray Council was reacting to a plea from a number of our constituents about the noise and distress caused by this pack of dogs.
"We will always do what we feel necessary in the best interests of the people of Moray," Councillor Wright said.
Read more in this week’s ‘Northern Scot’.
