The People's Court Season 20 Episode 166 Bad Breeding

Maria and Antonio are best friends who own neighboring homes. Maria owns a Standard Poodle named Colette, while Antonio has a Doberman Pinscher named Dexter. Over time, Colette and Dexter have developed a habit of barking incessantly, leading to late-night disturbances and neighborly disagreements. The situation comes to a head when Antonio and Maria each file complaints with the city animal control department.

The People's Court brings the case to the courtroom, where Judge Milian hears arguments from both parties. Maria claims that she has done everything in her power to control Colette's barking, including obedience training, keeping her inside during late hours, and using noise-cancelling technology. She states that her neighbor Antonio, on the other hand, has done nothing to control Dexter's barking and has even encouraged it by yelling at him in the yard.

Antonio counters that he has taken measures to control Dexter, including the use of a bark collar and training sessions, but that Colette's barking is incessant and has caused him to lose sleep and become irritable. He claims that Maria is disregarding his right to peaceful enjoyment of his property, and that he has no choice but to call animal control.

As the case goes to trial, The People's Court brings in footage of Colette and Dexter's barking behavior, as well as testimony from neighbors and animal behavior experts. The experts agree that both dogs are exhibiting abnormal behavior and that there may be an underlying issue contributing to their barking, such as anxiety or stress.

Maria and Antonio are given the opportunity to settle the case out of court, but they are unable to come to an agreement. Judge Milian ultimately rules in favor of Maria, citing her efforts to control Colette's barking and the lack of effort on Antonio's part to address Dexter's barking. She orders Antonio to pay a fine and to take measures to control his dog's barking, or risk further legal action.

Bad Breeding highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the role that dogs can play in neighborhood disputes. For pet owners, it is important to recognize the signs of abnormal behavior and to seek out professional help when needed. For neighbors, it is important to communicate with one another and to work towards a peaceful resolution, rather than escalating the situation and involving legal action.