Dog Business Sparks Trauma After Woman Dies in Caravan Fire

A woman’s friend recounted trauma from a dog business. It operates where her friend, Julie Melville, died. Julie and her dogs perished in a caravan fire over six years ago. Audrey Schonwalder asked councilors for help because the dog business operates near her home. Dog noise causes her panic attacks, reminding her of her friend’s death.

Audrey battles COPD, a lung disease. Dog walking worsened her COPD symptoms, and she cannot open windows or go outside now. She feels trapped because of the noise. Ian Troke runs Harry’s Hounding Around. He sought permission for his dog walking business, which operates at Thorntonloch, near Torness.

Julie Melville lived there many years with her pets. The 2018 fire shocked the community. Audrey recalled Julie’s award-winning sheep and other animals. Julie also kept chickens, goats, horses, and five dogs. The dogs barked at passersby, protecting her. In 2018, blue lights and flames awoke Audrey.

She heard dogs barking and a strange woman’s voice. Only Mindy, a whippet, survived the fire. The other dogs were near Julie’s body. Audrey avoided the field for over a year, then dog walkers’ noise triggered panic attacks. Her doctor links dog noise to her anxiety.

Councilor Lyn Jardine praised Audrey’s courage. She suggested limiting the business hours, adding that noise travels far in rural areas. Ian Troke acknowledged noise concerns, stating he tries to minimize the impact. Vans bring up to fifty dogs on weekdays, leaving by 12:30 pm each afternoon.

Morning arrival causes some commotion. Dogs greet each other loudly at first; however, he says it calms down in five minutes. Dogs bark, but not constantly, and mass noise or fights are very rare. He only excluded two dogs in six years. One had behavior issues, and the other “wouldn’t shut up”.

Norman Hampshire favored a one-year permit that included monitoring and restricted hours. He urged the business to work with neighbors, emphasizing the needs of the rural community. Residents deserve minimal business impact. Councilor Colin McGinn supported the business and said it helps dog owners post-pandemic.

Councilor Jeremy Findlay dissented from the others. He stated councilors support residents, not businesses, and Audrey’s emotional testimony mattered. He thought the business was too disruptive. The committee voted 8-1 to allow the business, but Councilor Findlay objected to the decision. Hours are limited to 8:30 am-1 pm, weekdays, but no dog activities are allowed outside these hours.