Spice’s owner was found not guilty.

The owner of a Siberian husky named Spice was cleared of annoying her neighbours by failing to stop the dog from barking, shedding and causing foul smells.

Therese Bonello, 54, of Birkirkara, cried as she embraced her family members and friends outside of the courtroom.

Ms Bonello’s husband, Mark, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, expressed his distress at his neighbours’ decision to take the case to court. He extolled the therapeutic effects of Spice’s companionship and the way the animal acted as support in helping him shift his position.

John Vella, one neighbour, said in court he did not wish to argue with Ms Bonello and lamented the way he was attacked by certain sections of the media when the case went public.

He complained about the smell that ensued when the dog relieved itself in the balcony, adding that the urine often dripped onto parked cars below. He added that when Mr Bonello was at work and the dog was left alone, it would take to howling. The dog was also a heavy shedder.

Mr Vella recalled that, one day, upon exiting the lift, he was met by the dog, which pounced on him, even if it did not mean to bite him.

He pointed out that no pets were allowed in the apartments block according to the contract.

The owner, who has MS, expressed his distress and extolled the therapeutic effects of Spice’s companionship

His wife, Marisa compared the dog’s howling to that of a wolf. She said she was nearly knocked over when she happened to come across the pouncing dog.

Ms Bonello said she had first welcomed the dog four years ago and rejected the allegations as “complete lies”, insisting Spice was silent when he was at home, a statement corroborated by two other witnesses.

Mr Bonello denied the dog engaged in barking, adding that, were it not for Spice, he would have remained on the floor each time he fell. Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit ruled there was insufficient evidence to find Ms Bonello guilty.