Barking Dogs

Things you need

Is a barking dog causing you a problem?

Some people think it is normal for dogs to bark consistently. It isn’t. Barking dogs are a nuisance and are not good for neighbourly relations. Constant barking usually means the dog is bored, lonely, frustrated or ill.

Talking to your neighbour about their barking dog

We get a lot of complaints about barking and howling dogs. It may be easier than you think to solve this issue by talking to the dog’s owner.

Consider these points:

  • The dog’s owner may not realise that the barking is causing a nuisance to other people
  • The dog may only bark when the owners are not home
  • The owner may not hear the barking from various areas of the house
  • The owner may be a heavy sleeper and not be woken by the dog barking

Make a complaint about barking dogs

If you need to make a complaint, contact us.

The complaints process

  • Complaint Received by Council – Either Verbal or Written
  • Letter sent to the Complainant, providing the complainant with Noise Diary
  • Complainant to complete a Noise Diary detailing the times and duration of the barking (minimum 5 consecutive days) before returning to Council
  • Council evaluates the complaint and conducts a neighbourhood survey in relation to the barking
  • If support is received for the complaint, an Abatement Notice is issued to the dog owner requiring action to be taken within 14 days to stop the nuisance
  • A letter is sent to the complainant advising of the Abatement Notice
  • If the dog is still a nuisance after 14 days, the complainant needs to complete another Noise Diary detailing the times and duration of the barking
  • Council evaluates the further complaint, conducts another neighbourhood survey and also a static observation
  • If the dog is still a nuisance, the dog owner can be liable for infringement fines or be issued with a Removal Notice.

Our Council