A Bushey landlord had an expensive Christmas when she was fined £22,000 for her tenants' noisy dogs.

Mabel Adewunmi of Farm Way, Bushey appeared at Watford Magistrates’ Court on December 23.

The court heard that eight dogs, predominantly bull mastiffs and bull-type cross breeds, were kept at a house in Ashfield Avenue, Bushey and sometimes shut in the garage for long periods.

It was while left unattended that the dogs would bark, on one occasion as frequently as 72 times in a minute.

Dog control orders had already been given to owner of the animals in January 2008 after they killed a boxer dog in King George Recreation Ground, as reported in the Watford Observer in September 2007.

Another three dogs from the property are currently being held by police as suspected pit bull terriers - a breed which has been banned for being too dangerous. Six neighbours, who live in properties either side and behind the address in Ashfield Avenue, gave evidence during the hearing.

Environmental health officers also revealed that seven offences of failing to comply with a noise abatement notice served in July 2007 had been reported.

Mrs Adewunmi, who conducted her own defence, told the court that she was unaware of the problem until recently.

However the court heard evidence from the council officers who said they had written to Mrs Adewunmi on ten occasions and met with her on three occasions over the last two and a half years.

Mrs Adewunmi told the court that she was unable to pay the fine and was leaving the country on January 2 2010 to start a new job in Nigeria.

Magistrates warned her that failure to pay the fine within seven days would result in her arrest and a prison sentence of 12 months.

Councillor Jean Heywood, environment portfolio holder, said: “Excessive noise such as dog barking is not acceptable and our officers will take appropriate action and make sure persistent perpetrators are brought to justice."