David McNevan

The applicants, neighbouring property owners, brought a noise complaint against the respondent beef farmer regarding the constant and loud ringing of cowbells used on his herd.

The respondent argued the bells were necessary for herd monitoring and predator control.

The Board accepted expert evidence that using cowbells for herd monitoring is a normal farming practice, but noted their effectiveness for predator control is limited.

The Board ordered the respondent to limit the number of cowbells based on herd size and to corral the livestock inside the closed paddock at night.