From Monday, dog owners in Feuquières face a €68 (£60; $77) fine for "prolonged or repeated barking".

Mayor Jean-Pierre Estienne says the ban is in response to dogs "barking day and night" and creating "an unbearable situation" in the village.

The decree has been criticised by animal rights activists.

"The aim is not to ban dogs and we won't be fining people for the slightest hint of a yap," Mr Estienne told French newspaper Le Parisien (in French) .

"The town has nothing against dogs but when you decide to have them, you educate them."

Passed by the local council earlier this month, the decree forbids dogs from being left in enclosed areas without owners being nearby to stop "prolonged or repeated barking".

Yappy dogs must also be kept inside if their behaviour "disturbs the rest or relaxation" of Feuquières' 1,400 residents.

Offenders (or more specifically, their owners) will receive a fine for each complaint made against them.