Man, 71, takes on SANDF - SA

[dArKeR]

Cape Town - A 71-year-old Simon's Town resident was considering legal action against the South African Navy, after the military police arrested him last week on the orders of a rear admiral.

"I am seeking legal remedy... false accusations against me have led to wrongful arrest and incarceration," said Felix Baddeley on Monday.

Baddeley said his troubles started early May, when he wrote to the municipal law enforcement at Fish Hoek complaining about excessive barking at a house in Simon's Town, occupied by rear admiral junior grade George Mpasi.

He said on May 17 he wrote another letter to law enforcement officials, directing a copy to the navy's public relations department as well.

Baddeley said a few days earlier, he knocked at the door of the admiral's house to personally complain about the loud barking of two large dogs at his property.

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1531839,00.html

In my San Jose neighborhood there are dogs that constantly bark all day and all night, (7am to 11pm), everyday. Neighborhood is $1/2 million to $1.5 million range. Being overseas for many years and to come back and hear this I was amazed. Firstly, I didn't think so Americans left their dogs outside and were not a part of the family. Secondly, I had no idea that they didn't care if they were disturbing their neighbors. Thirdly, I called the Dept. of Parks, Rec. and Neighborhood Ser. which seem to have jurisdiction. They do nothing except send a letter to the offender. If you want more done you have to knock on neighbors' doors and ask them to sign a petition. I couldn't belive this. It's either against the law or not against the law, (disturbing the peace.) When I was on the phone with San Jose the officer could hear the dog barking through the phone too.

Are we supposed to get together a petition and chase down murderers ourselves in our neighborhood too?

ps. This is NOT an isolated block. It's thousands of dogs in my neighborhood and every friend house I've visited in the Bay Area too. For me, I can't imagine living in a million dollar home and NOT being able to live my life in peace.