Fenland dog rescuer has vowed to "stay legal" after court appearance and thanks community for its support

A dog owner has vowed to "deal with it" after being forced to part with 14 of her rescue animals and been made subject of a five-year anti-social behaviour order.

Mary Higgins, 70, of Elloe Bank, Gorefield, also faces paying £1,050 in fines, costs and compensation, following a court hearing at Peterborough Magistrates on Tuesday September 29.

Mary, who has lived at her home for over 40 years, and has been rescuing what she describes as "oldies" and "no hopers" for many years, was charged with failing to comply with a Noise Abatement Notice issued in January 2015 to control nuisance dogs at her property.

The dog-lover, speaking after the case, said she had come to terms with what had happened in court but added: "I don't think it is fair, they didn't listen to anything I had to say and they took the word of one person.

"But I will deal with it, I will be legal, stay legal and stay honest. I have to pay £100 a month to pay off what I owe the court, which is going to be a struggle, but I will do it.

"I have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community and from other dog rescues who have all offered to help. I was really worried I would have to have my dogs put to sleep, but I have had people offering to take them and promise that they will not be put down. So I am truly grateful for their help."

Mary, who currently has 16 dogs, takes in problem older dogs and has successfully rehomed hundreds in her time. Two dachshunds have already been rehomed since the hearing.

Nine German Shepherds are being taken by the German Shepherd Welfare, and she has mastif and some Staffies looking for homes.

Two 14-year-old dogs, a collie and a Jack Russell will remain with her until the January deadline given by the court to cut her number of dogs down to two, after that she will have them put to sleep.

She said: "They both have health issues and it would not be fair to send them away, so the kindest thing to do is have them put to sleep when the time comes."

However, she will be keeping one dachshund and a German Shepherd.

She said: "It is going to be really hard, especially on Thursday (tomorrow) when the German Shepherds all go. But I know they will be cared for. All my dogs are neutered, vaccinated and well-trained. I don't just rescue them, I train them so they can be re-homed and I also use them to help other owners with their problem dogs, which I won't be able to do now as I'm not allowed more than two dogs on my property.

"I really think the court was unfair to me because taking my dogs is the greatest punishment they could give me, but then they have fined me and made me subject to an ASBO as well.

"Honestly I think it is pathetic, and I will hate the council for the rest of my life. But I will deal with it and stay as positive as I can."

Fenland Council issued a press release about Mary's case stating Mary's prosecution followed numerous complaints against her involving barking dogs, and ongoing failure to comply with the 2015 notice.

Councillor Samantha Hoy, the council’s portfolio holder responsible for environmental health, said: “Our Environmental Health Officers thoroughly investigated this case and offered ongoing support to Mrs Higgins to try resolve this matter without the need for prosecution.

“However, warnings and advice went unheeded and noise nuisance continued to be witnessed by officers. Residents have the right to live without excessive disturbances so we will take firm action where necessary. Hopefully this sends a clear message that both the council and the courts take noise nuisance extremely seriously.”

 Residents who have concerns about noise nuisance can contact the Council on 01354 654321 or report matters online at www.fenland.gov.uk/report