Spice the husky outside court yesterday.

Spice the husky was the centre of attention both inside and outside the law court yesterday as the dog’s owner appeared before a magistrate again following neighbour complaints.

As the dog lapped up the attention and affection of passers-by outside, Therese Bonello, 54, of Birkirkara, was charged with allowing it to roam freely about the common area of the apartment block where she lives.

In September, she was cleared of annoying neighbours by failing to stop the dog from barking, shedding and causing foul smells.

Her husband, Mark, suffers from multiple sclerosis and in-sisted his beloved dog not only offered a form of therapy but also acted as support in helping him shift his position.

But Alexander Buhagiar testified he could not live comfortably in his own apartment because he had to deal with the dog’s howling and urine, which often dripped on to parked cars.

Edwin Mulvaney, a police officer, said he had visited the apartment many times and even when the family was not present had never heard any barking or howling. The case continues April 29.