FAQs - Dog Barking

My neighbours have recently bought a new puppy, which they keep outdoors whilst they are at work. Increasingly the dog has started to bark continuously throughout the day, which I find very disturbing. I don't want to fall out with my neighbours, but I am getting to the end of my tether. Is there anything I can do?

First things first, it may be that your neighbours are oblivious to the problem that you are experiencing; you say yourself that they are out at work whilst this is going on. It may be wise to approach them directly and let them know that this situation is happening in order that they themselves can do something to alleviate the problem. Find a time that is convenient to do this; attacking them on their doorstep after a long day at work is not ideal. The trick is to explain the situation calmly and avoid blame - perhaps approach it from the dogs side of things; maybe he's bored or lonely, thirsty or hungry. The truth of the matter is that people often feel guilty about leaving their pet at home but have no choice due to work commitments.

Consider whether you can help at all; offer to pop round and check on the dog or even take it for a short walk during the day; your offer to help in this way, not only re-enforces the fact that you have a genuine complaint, but also that you are, at the end of the day, a good neighbour. Don't expect miracles overnight though a degree of patience is required to change a barking habit.

If this course of action isn't appropriate or you don't feel confident enough to approach your neighbour directly, you can always contact the Environmental Health Division. Any noise complaint can be discussed with an officer of the pollution/noise control team; that goes for all types of domestic noise and industrial noise. Standard procedures are in place in each circumstance to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and consistently and to enable an informal resolution to be our first priority.

Noise complaints are dealt with under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the remit of "Statutory Nuisance", which differs from our every day use of the word nuisance! As part of our investigations into a complaint we need to assess the situation against specific criteria including the frequency of events, the nature of the noise, the volume, and also the availability of control measures. Contrary to popular belief there are no maximum or minimum levels of noise allowed in law, and also at no time of day are you allowed to make as much noise as you like! It is these myths that often prompt people to call us in the first instance.

In terms of the procedure itself, you as the complainant will be required to maintain diary sheets of the ongoing problem. These help officers identify any pattern to the problem and also allow us to assess whether a statutory nuisance is likely. Once these diary sheets are returned we may then look at installing noise recording equipment in your home to tape events that we can't possibly witness on a day to day basis. All of this evidence is used to assess whether a Statutory Nuisance occurs and whether a remedy to the situation is required. In most cases this is done informally by working with both parties involved in the complaint; where necessary however we will take formal action through the service of a statutory noise abatement notice. Failure to return diary sheets means that no further investigation will take place by an officer; similarly, the authority will not respond to anonymous complaints.

And if you live on the other side of the fence ......... 

If a complaint is made about you or your activities the Environmental Health Division will inform you in writing. Any letter will detail your case officer and offer a contact number should you wish to discuss the matter further. At the initial letter stage we are only alleging that you may be causing a problem and advising you that an investigation is underway; this makes you aware of a complaint and offers you the opportunity to do some investigations of your own and put things right. You will be kept up to date with our investigations and will also be advised when the case is closed.