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A family residing in the city’s North Shore found themselves the recipients of a typed message in the mail last month, urging them to address the issue of their dogs’ constant barking.
The letter opens with a direct salutation: “Neighbors with the incessantly barking bulldog,” it states.
“Your lack of attention to your dogs and their relentless barking is driving your neighbors to distraction,” the note continues.
“I’ve noticed they enjoy the treats I toss into your backyard, which quiets them momentarily. I’m considering trying Erin Patterson’s Mushroom Recipes for treats next (I hope they find them palatable).”
The letter concluded by asserting that the council advised them to “do whatever it takes to keep your dogs quiet.”
”It was shocking, I was horrified… almost in tears,” the owner told 9News.
She contacted the local council to ask if any other neighbours had complained about their dogs.
“No one had, so the threat really did come out of the blue,” she said.
The family have since set up cameras in their backyard.
In post to a local social media group, the letter recipient said she has contacted the police.
Police have taken the letter as evidence.
She said her dogs are old and do bark often, but that they did not deserve to die.
“Trust me the dogs barking annoys me as well,” she wrote.
“I just want my dogs to live [sic] there last days in peace and not die by poisoning.”