A former police officer, Mel Chinn, was found guilty of gross misconduct after accusations that she washed her dog’s feces and urine into her neighbor’s garden and sprayed them with a hose when they complained. The dispute began in 2019 over a planning issue involving a ground-floor extension she built, but escalated in late 2021 when she got a puppy and allowed it to go to the bathroom near the dividing fence.
While Chinn claimed that she cleaned up after her dog by removing feces and washing the area with water and soap, her neighbors alleged that she purposely directed the waste into their garden. When they tried to clean up the mess, Chinn retaliated by spraying them with a hose, calling one neighbor “unhinged” and questioning her mental health and parenting skills.
Despite the findings of gross misconduct, Chinn did not admit to any wrongdoing or offer an apology. The panel concluded that her actions were threatening and abusive, especially considering her background as a police officer. While there were no previous incidents of similar behavior and character references suggested it was out of character, the panel still found her actions unacceptable.
The case serves as a reminder that even those in positions of authority can act inappropriately in personal disputes. It is important to handle conflicts maturely and respectfully, regardless of the circumstances. This incident highlights the importance of communication and conflict resolution skills in maintaining peaceful relationships with neighbors and avoiding unnecessary confrontations.