Neighbors Endure Seven Years of Torment Due to Man’s Barking Dogs
Residents of Eric Street in Widnes have endured seven years of torment at the hands of John Laveric’s barking dogs. Despite being banned from keeping dogs, Laveric continued to own four presa canario dogs named Wilma, Daphne, Tia, and Tormand, leading to almost constant noise that resulted in his neighbors resorting to extreme measures.
Complaints flooded in from residents in 2017, prompting Halton Borough Council to serve a noise abatement notice on Laveric. The issue persisted, leading to his conviction for breaching the notice in 2018. Subsequent criminal behavior orders required him to remove the dogs from the property and banned him from keeping dogs at the address for two years.
Continued Disruption and Defiance
Despite the orders, Laveric moved to a new property on Pit Lane, where complaints from neighbors quickly followed. Another noise abatement notice was issued, and Laveric was once again prosecuted for breaching the order. In November 2022, he was handed a second criminal behavior order, prohibiting him from keeping dogs in Halton altogether.
Complaints against Laveric continued to pour in, with his dogs barking an astonishing 1,645 times in a 20-minute period on one occasion. Despite the court orders, Laveric kept the dogs at both properties until as recently as last month, falsely claiming to have transferred ownership to his mother and another individual.
Impact on Neighbors and Legal Consequences
The relentless barking forced neighbors to take drastic measures to cope, with one resident resorting to sleeping in her car during work breaks due to the constant noise. An 86-year-old neighbor wore ear defenders in her garden, while a 74-year-old considered moving house to escape the disturbance. Another woman in her 70s felt trapped in her home, choosing not to retire as work was her only respite from the noise.
Prosecutor Robert Cline highlighted Laveric’s intentional manipulation of the situation, moving properties to circumvent the court orders. Despite claims of transferring ownership, Laveric’s actions demonstrated a lack of regard for the impact on his neighbors and a pattern of non-compliance with legal directives.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation Efforts
Laveric admitted to breaching the criminal behavior orders and expressed concern for his mother’s welfare during sentencing. His defense attorney, Ben Berkson, emphasized the positive impact the dogs had on Laveric’s mental health and his role in caring for his ailing mother. However, the court found Laveric’s actions to be in direct conflict with the well-being of his neighbors and the community at large.
Judge Gary Woodhall handed Laveric a 22-month suspended sentence, along with a lifetime ban on keeping dogs and requirements for unpaid work and rehabilitation activities. The court emphasized the significant harm and distress caused by Laveric’s actions, noting the sustained impact on neighbors and the lack of accountability demonstrated by the defendant.
In conclusion, John Laveric’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting noise regulations and being considerate of neighbors. Despite claims of personal attachment to his dogs, Laveric’s actions had a detrimental effect on those around him, leading to legal consequences and restrictions on his ability to keep pets. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize the well-being of their community and comply with legal orders to prevent further harm and distress to others.