Sheffield sanctuary may 'destroy dogs' after complaints

An animal sanctuary in Sheffield has said it may have to destroy its dogs after receiving complaints about noise.

Mill House Animal Sanctuary, which has been open for more than 60 years, was issued with a noise abatement order about dogs barking.

Chairwoman for the charity Pat Hartley said she feared for the future of the centre, as it would not be able to afford any fines.

Sheffield City Council said it was working to resolve the issue.

Ms Hartley said the order followed after a neighbour made a complaint to the council.

She told the BBC that the sanctuary had attempted to appeal against the decision but withdrew its objection as the charity could not afford the court costs.

The rescue centre, which is run by Ms Hartley and twin sister Jane Wright, takes in stray animals, including horses, goats, sheep and llamas and is currently looking after 15 dogs.

Acoustic fence

Since receiving the order to reduce noise, the sisters said they had removed a number of the larger noisy dogs and had changed its policy to only re-home small dogs.

Devices to reduce barking will be installed shortly, including an acoustic fence, Ms Hartley told the BBC.

A spokesman for Sheffield City Council said: "A noise abatement order was issued against the animal sanctuary. The owners initially appealed and then withdrew their appeal.

"We are now working with the owners of the sanctuary to help them comply with the notice."