Legal Sizzle: Vegan Woman Takes Neighbors to Court, Alleging ‘Deliberate’ Meat Barbecuing
Cilla Carden, a massage therapist from Perth, Australia, found herself in a legal battle with her neighbors, whom she claimed were disrupting her peace with continuous barbecuing and basketball playing in their backyard. Carden, who follows a vegan lifestyle, filed a lawsuit against her neighbors, arguing that the noise and smells prevented her from enjoying her own backyard.
The dispute had been ongoing for months, with Carden expressing frustration over her neighbors’ smoking and barbecuing habits. According to her, the placement of the barbecue deliberately directed unpleasant smells toward her property, making it challenging for her to go outside and enjoy her outdoor space. She also complained about the noise created by children playing basketball.
Describing the impact on her life, Carden stated, “I haven’t been able to sleep. It has been devastating, turbulent, and unsettling.” Despite her complaints, her initial legal claims were dismissed, and her attempt to appeal to the Supreme Court was also turned down.
In response to the legal dispute, Carden’s neighbors reportedly took steps to address the concerns. During a visit by 9News to the defendant’s backyard, it was revealed that the children had been instructed to stop playing basketball, and the barbecue was removed.
The unusual court case gained widespread attention, and a Facebook event was created for a neighborhood barbecue to celebrate the “Aussie tradition.” The event garnered significant interest, with 24,000 spectators planning to attend. However, the gathering was postponed after police issued a warning, and Carden’s lawyer threatened legal action.
Despite the public perception of Carden’s actions, her lawyer clarified that she has “no issue with people eating meat and no objection to people having barbecues.” The legal battle highlights the challenges and conflicts that can arise between neighbors over lifestyle choices and the use of shared spaces.
