Croatian court bans dog from barking at night

PEROJ, Croatia (AP) - Medo is in trouble for doing what all dogs do: barking.

A fed up neighbor in a northern Croatian village has won a temporary court order that says Medo must stop barking at night. If not, owner Anton Simunovic must pay some €2,800 ($3,160).

The 3-year-old mutt, now confined in a barn between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. instead of being allowed to roam, is the only dog in Croatia slapped with a no-barking injunction.

The charges filed by the neighbor say Medo affected her health by barking all the time. Simunovic says that is untrue.

"He barks normally, like any dog does," Simunovic said. "He barks when he sees a cat, or if someone unknown comes to his territory."

Medo's troubles have triggered widespread social media interest in the region. More than 30,000 fans have joined a Facebook page supporting Medo since the case hit the headlines earlier this year. Dog owners have sent hundreds of photos of their pets offering solidarity. Even some cats have joined the campaign.

A court in the town of Pula still has to make a final ruling, with the neighbor seeking 1,400 euros in damages. She did not comment.

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