Controversial measures have been implemented in a tiny town in Spain including residents must remove their animals if they are “particularly noisy.”

Villanueva de la Torre, a small municipality in the province of Guadalajara, Spain, implemented the measures to preserve the aesthetics and tranquillity of the place, however the regulations have sparked controversy.

According to the village’s regulations “it is forbidden to hang or display clothes, garments, or household items on balconies, windowsills, exterior terraces, or building facades facing public streets or when visible from them”.

Another measure that has sparked debate is the prohibition of dog barking during rest hours.

Regulations state that “from 10pm to 8am and between 3pm and 5pm it is forbidden to leave animals in terraces and balconies if their noises disturb the neighbours’ rest.” At other times, they must be removed by their owners if they are “particularly noisy.”

Dogs are banned from barking during rest hours and from 10pm to 8am and between 3pm and 5pm, it is forbidden to leave animals in terraces and balconies if their noises disturb the neighbours’ rest.” 

At other times, animals must be removed by their owners if they are “particularly noisy,” according to infobae.

These measures were adopted in December 2012 under the mandate of a mayor from the People’s Party.

Villanueva de la Torre, has become an attractive spot for those seeking to live in a quieter and more accessible environment, away from the hustle and bustle of large cities.

The town has grown from having 114 residents in 1991 to approximately 6,554 this year, due to urban development.

However, a resident expressed his bewilderment at the regulations to La Vanguardia newspaper: “I don’t understand why we can’t hang clothes outside. It’s very common throughout Spain.”

Another resident told Xataka: “Controlling dogs not to bark seems like an impossible task. I don’t know how we’re going to manage this.”