NEW PORT RICHEY -- Eddie and Therese Morelli have been among the most outspoken critics of the decision by the Forest Lake Estates Civic Association to bring a lawsuit against foster parents Steven and Corinna Gourlay. 

On Friday, the Morellis, residents of Forest Lake Estates in Port Richey, were sued by the civic association for failing to control their two dogs. 

Association attorney Donald Peyton told the Times that the Morellis' dogs relieve themselves on neighbors' lawns and bark at residents in a "menacing manner." That amounts to a neighborhood nuisance, in violation of the deed restrictions, said Peyton, who lives next door to the Morellis on Lake Forest Circle. 

Eddie Morelli said the lawsuit has nothing to do with uncontrollable canines, though he admits his "mutts" have managed to escape on occasion by digging under the fence. 

"It's all about retaliation," said Morelli, 58. The Morellis have been quoted in television and newspaper reports denouncing the civic association's suit against the Gourlays. 

Peyton said the Morelli case is not about retaliation. "This has nothing to do with the Gourlays," he said. "That's ludicrous." 

Eddie Morelli said only one neighbor has ever complained to him about his dogs: Peyton. 

Peyton, after finding dog feces in his yard, lodged a complaint with animal control officials, Morelli said. The Morellis were cited for failing to confine their dogs. 

Morelli said Peyton has a conflict of interest and should not be acting as the association's attorney in a case. "It's a one-sided thing," Morelli said. 

The lawsuit seeks attorney fees and an injunction that would force the Morellis to confine the dogs.