Mandy Young, a horse breeder living near Newmarket—the UK’s horse racing hub—was surprised and unsettled after receiving a noise complaint from West Suffolk Council about the “constant neighing” of her foals. Young, who owns 12 horses including foals recently weaned, denied that her animals were making excessive noise, explaining that some neighing is normal as the foals and mares are separated but can call to each other. She expressed frustration over the complaint, calling it “ridiculous and petty,” and said she would have addressed the issue if neighbors had approached her directly.

The council’s letter stated it must investigate noise complaints that significantly affect neighbors but noted the claims had not been substantiated. Young emphasized that she was unaware of any disturbance and would have taken action, such as moving the horses, if informed. She questioned why neighbors did not communicate with her directly, suggesting that the complaint felt unwarranted and left her feeling “paranoid.”