Dog noise nuisance
Dogs are part of our community and for many people, they are a source of companionship and enjoyment.
Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs. However persistent excessive barking, whining or howling can be a nuisance.
Nuisance barking will be resolved when the underlying cause of the barking is addressed by the dog's owner. A dog's persistent barking is a learnt behaviour and a result of an issue. It's important to find out why the dog is barking.
We understand it takes time to change a dog's behaviour. We will work with the dog owner and neighbours to resolve the issue. Please remember that changing a learnt behaviour takes time. The amount of time will vary depending on the dog.
Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate. However persistent barking usually indicates an underlying issue. Excessive or persistent barking can be a nuisance to neighbours. It can cause conflict if not dealt with.
You are responsible for making sure your dog doesn't unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of your neighbours. Dogs may increase their barking behaviour when you are not home which you may not be aware of.
If you become aware that your dog's barking is a nuisance to your neighbour, it is important to take adequate measures to address your dog's behaviour as soon as possible. Try to identify what is causing the dog's barking. It may be boredom, anxiety, fear, territorial behaviour, attention seeking behaviour or undiagnosed medical issues.
If a complaint is received what will happen?
Council will send you a letter advising that a complaint has been received.
The person making the complaint will be asked to record the barking for 7 days and return this record to us. We will use the information to decide whether there is a level of nuisance that we can act on.
What is excessive barking?
There is no set amount of barks or length of time which defines excessive or nuisance barking. Each case is assessed by an authorised officer based on the evidence gathered. Considerations include times, dates, frequency and impact.
My dog doesn't bark, my neighbour has a civil issue with me
Council is a third party that will only act if we receive evidence. If you believe your neighbour has made a false report, please start gathering your own evidence to challenge the complaint.
The law that we work with
Owning or keeping a dog in the community is controlled by state legislation - the Dog and Cat Management Act, 1995. Council uses the legislation to deal with nuisance barking dogs. A dog barking persistently can be a breach of the Act.
Section 45A of the Act states: That the person responsible for the control of a dog which "creates a noise by barking or otherwise which persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of a person" is guilty of an offence.
Barking is a normal behaviour for dogs. It's one of the key ways that dogs communicate with each other and with the people around them. Whilst barking is a natural behaviour, it may be an issue if it occurs:
- too frequently
- at inappropriate times of the day or night
- for extended periods of time.
If you are concerned about the level of noise a dog is making, we encourage you speak with the dog owner. At times, dog owners are not aware that their dog is barking as they may not be home when the barking occurs. A friendly, non-threatening approach may help the owner address their dog's barking quickly. Often an amicable solution can be achieved that also helps maintain good neighbourly relations. Face-to-face visits are most effective.
If you are uncomfortable approaching the dog owner in person, you can leave a note in your neighbour's letterbox.
If contact with the dog owner is unsuccessful or the owner has been unable or unwilling to address the dog's behaviour, contact our Community Safety Team on 8397 7313. We'll discuss your concerns and make a report. Or you can make a report online.