Glenn Tong to appeal finding of dog-barking guilt in County Court

A bizarre court case over barking dogs is stretching into its fifth year, after a Hawthorn man decided he’d rather spend upwards of $100,000 to appeal a guilty finding than defend himself.

Glenn Tong will fight a ruling of guilt for “excessive dog barking” in the County Court later this year after he was charged by Boroondara City Council in October 2020. Picture: Mark Stewart

A bizarre court case over barking dogs is stretching into its fifth year, after a Hawthorn man decided he’d rather spend upwards of $100,000 to appeal a guilty finding than defend himself — and his dogs — the first time.

Glenn Tong was charged by the Boroondara City Council in October 2020 for allowing his dogs, Marco and Mia, to bark excessively, particularly late at night or early in the morning.

It was alleged the excessive barking caused a nuisance to other residents.

Mr Tong, who is the chief executive of biotech company VGI Health, told the Herald Sun he was charged by the council after “two to three years” of letters from the council about neighbour complaints.

However, he objects to the finding of guilt, saying while most dogs would sleep outside, his dogs slept in bed with he and his wife.

Glenn Tong with his Jack Russells Marco and Mia. Picture: Mark Stewart

“We would know straight away if our dogs were barking,” he told the Herald Sun.

Mr Tong, who lives in an apartment building in Hawthorn, said it was “mostly old people” who lived in his building and who had complained.

Four years on from when he was charged, Mr Tong fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in 2024 where he said he was given a “truncated hearing” and there wasn’t enough time for him to put forward all of his evidence.

Glenn Tong will fight a ruling of guilt that his two dogs Marco and Mia caused a nuisance by barking excessively. Picture: Supplied

Glenn Tong has spent more than $100,000 fighting the Boroondara City Council over his two dogs “excessive barking”. Picture: Supplied

Instead, he decided not to supply any evidence for his defence in a “strategic” decision.

He was found guilty, fined $2300, and ordered to engage a professional trainer for the dogs and walk them at least once a day.

“The other side does not know what our evidence is and we don’t want to show them our evidence,” he said.

“It was part of our strategy.”

His legal team, including Australia’s only dog lawyer Brett Melke and criminal barrister Tass Antos, appealed the decision within an hour.

Mr Tong has spent more than $100,000 fighting for his beloved hounds, who are both still alive and “happy as Larry”.

The hearing will begin on November 10 and is slated to last 10 days, with 23 witnesses set to be called to give evidence.

A Boroondara City Council spokesman said “we understand excessive barking can be a nuisance and will investigate complaints from Boroondara residents and take action as necessary”.

They would not comment as the matter was before the courts.

Mr Tong has set up a GoFundMe page in the name of his dogs to help fund the court case.