The owner of 37 cats and dogs was yesterday conditionally discharged for two years for harassing his neighbours with the stench and loud barking from the animals at his Marsa home.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras heard 12 neighbours testify how they had to suffer the unbearable smell and racket generated by the pets belonging to Agostino Borg, 54, of Marsa.

One woman said the situation was so terrible that she could not even open a window or hear the television.

Neighbours said that when they asked him to do something to improve the situation he made his dogs bark even more.

They said he could be heard telling his dogs: “So-and-so is passing by. Bark so he sues us. I will defend you... bark as loud as you can, as no one can stop us.”

The magistrate also heard that Mr Borg kept 25 cats and 12 dogs in his Marsa home and they were well looked after and in a good state of health.

He was found guilty of harassing his neighbours and taking his garbage bags, soiled with animal urine, out into the road before collection time last April.

The magistrate gave Mr Borg two months to remove the animals from his residence and asked the Animal Welfare Commissioner to help him find homes for the animals.

In January, Mr Borg was fined €100 over similar charges, except for harassment, and was given three months to get rid of the animals. He is appealing both judgments.

Lawyer Marion Camilleri appeared for Mr Borg, while lawyer Joe Mifsud represented the neighbours.