The owner of a Siberian husky named Spice has once again ended up in court after another neighbour filed a police report when the dog was spotted running around freely in the apartment block's common area.

Back in September, Therese Bonello, 54, of Birkirkara, was cleared of annoying her neighbours by failing to stop the dog from barking, shedding and causing foul smells.

Spice

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

Their celebration, however, proved to be short-lived as Alexander Buhagiar complained of an incident on April 2, 2015 when the dog was found pacing about unleashed in the common area.

"Everyone is afraid of the dog - it's not small, it's actually quite large. My wife is absolutely terrified of it," he testified, adding that the dog was allowed to playfully pounce on her. All he got in return was an apology.

He explained that no animals were allowed in the block of apartments, a fact which he had gently attempted to explain to Ms Bonello. He was told that her husband needed Spice, adding that he was very sorry that Mr Bonello suffered from his condition.

However, the family played ball with the dog and allowed the dog to relieve itself in the balcony, where the urine would trickle down onto the parked cars below. The dog was always howling, including at night, Mr Buhagiar said.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit reminded him that the case centered solely on the April 2 incident of the dog running about in the hall.

"This is simple enough to solve - she either has to keep it under her control or she doesn't," the magistrate said.

Taking the witness stand, police officer Edwin Mulvaney said that he had visited the apartment in question numerous times. Even when the family was not there, he had never heard any barking or howling.

Lawyer Edward Gatt appeared for Ms Bonello while Leonard Caruana appeared for Mr Buhagiar.
Inspector Sandra Zammit prosecuted.

The case continues on April 29.