Why do dogs bark?
Barking is one way dogs communicate and can mean anything from playfulness to danger. Some dogs bark because they are:
Chronic or excessive barking is a sign that something is wrong and can be a nuisance to others in the community. Sometimes stopping a dog from barking can be as simple as taking care of their needs.
Curing the barking habit
Owners of dogs have responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 to ensure their dogs do not exhibit nuisance behaviour or emit offensive noise.
If you feel your dog is well cared for but continues to bark excessively, there are a number of things you can try:
- Confine your dog in the back yard, away from interference and/or provocation by passing traffic
- Restrict your pet's vision through the fence or gate
- Consider training - talk to a specialist, reputable trainer or your local dog training club
- Insulate the kennel against noise and weather
- Keep your dog inside or confined to the garage or garden shed at night.
Once we receive a nuisance dog request in writing, we commence the following process:
1. Review the information provided
We will assess the information provided to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commence an investigation. If the evidence is insufficient or the complaint was made anonymously, no further action will be taken.
2. Letter to the dog owner
A letter will be sent to the dog owner advising a complaint has been received. The owner will be provided with 28 days to rectify the situation.
3. Evidence forms and dog noise diaries
If the problem is not resolved, we will send an evidence form and noise diary to eight or more neighbouring residences. This helps us to gather information about:
- where the dog resides
- the time and frequency of barking
- the impact to neighbours.
The documents also assist us in determining what actions we can take, and can be used in legal proceedings.
The noise diary is to be completed over a 14 day period and returned to us within 21 days. The evidence form and noise diaries must be signed by the person/s completing the forms.
We will review all evidence forms and noise diaries. If the evidence returned does not demonstrate a frequent or lengthy impact to the community or there are less than three complainants, we are unable to proceed with further action.
4. Statements from each complainant
If sufficient evidence was provided over three or more evidence forms and dog noise diaries, a City of Newcastle Ranger will obtain a statement from each complainant.
5. Enforcement action
We will then determine what enforcement action should be taken. This may include issuing the owner of the dog with a 'Nuisance Dog Order' in accordance with Section 32B of the Companion Animals Act 1998 or a 'Noise Abatement Direction' issued in accordance with Section 276 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
6. Further actions
If the barking persists, contact us and arrangements will be made for a Ranger to obtain a statement including evidence about the breach of the Order or Direction.
Once statements have been obtained City of Newcastle will assess the evidence and determine what further enforcement action can and will be taken.