Nuisance barking
Dogs are valued companions in many households, however, one of the most frequent complaints in communities is about barking dogs. While barking is a natural form of communication and a way for dogs to alert their owners to potential dangers, continuous barking can become a nuisance.
What can I do about a barking dog?
Before involving the City, we encourage neighbours to speak to dog owners about the excessive barking. If you are not comfortable approaching your neighbours, you can call Ranger Services on 9394 5000.
Once we have your details and the address of the dog, we will send out a barking pack to the dog owners. This pack includes information on when the dog is allegedly barking and some strategies to implement to reduce this. Time must be given to the dog owners to allow them to implement some of the strategies suggested.
Making a formal complaint
If you haven’t been able to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour, an official barking dog complaint may be lodged with the City in accordance with the Dog Act 1976.
For an investigation to commence it is a legal requirement for the complainant to complete and sign a Form 7 (an official complaint form, which is part of the Dog Act requirement). Once this Form is received the Ranger will commence the investigation and issue you with dog barking diaries. You will need to record the times the dog is barking, duration, and what is happening in the area that may be causing the dog to bark.
These diaries are generally kept for 14 days. These diaries are legal documents which may be used to issue an abatement notice to the dog owner.
What happens next?
If our investigation finds that a dog is engaging in nuisance barking, a Noise Abatement Notice may be issued to the dog owner. The complainant will be notified if their diary has been completed incorrectly or if the dog noise is considered reasonable according to the guidelines for nuisance dogs.
A Noise Abatement Notice is an official document that requires the owner to stop or reduce their dog's nuisance barking within 14 days. The order remains in effect for six months from the date specified in the notice. After six months, the Noise Abatement Notice will lapse unless genuine complaints have been received during this period. If the barking continues, infringements can be issued for each day the offence persists, provided it is deemed a breach of nuisance guidelines.
The penalty for nuisance barking, under section 38(5) of the Dog Act 1976, is an infringement of $200 or $400 for a dangerous dog.
Repeat offenders may face prosecution in court. The maximum court penalty is $5,000 or $10,000 for a dangerous dog.
What the City cannot do
Rangers can only act within the powers granted to them under the Dog Act 1976. Therefore, there are certain limitations on what they can do regarding barking dog complaints:
Remove the Dog from the Property: Rangers do not have the authority to forcibly remove a dog from its owner's property.
Repeatedly Speak to the Dog Owner Without Evidence: Rangers cannot repeatedly visit or speak to the dog owner about the barking issue without sufficient evidence. Complainants must provide documented evidence, such as completed barking dog diaries, to support their claims. Without this evidence, the rangers are limited in their ability to take further action.
Tips for dog barking owners
Understanding why your dog barks can be crucial in finding effective solutions. By identifying the underlying reasons for their barking, you can address the specific needs and behaviours of your dog.
Why do dogs bark?
Dogs may bark for several reasons, including:
Hunger or thirst
Discomfort due to being cold, hot, or generally uncomfortable
Illness or injury
Boredom or seeking attention
Anxiety or fear
Feeling threatened or protective of their territory
Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Barking
Yard Modifications: Ensure you dogs has access to clean, fresh water and adequate shelter. Cover the fence or gate in a way that obstructs the dog’s vision. Prevent the dog from having access to areas where they can see people or vehicles and bark at them
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom and pent-up energy that can lead to barking.
Socialisation: Gradually exposing your dog to new people, animals, and environments can help reduce anxiety-related barking.
Professional Help: If your dog’s barking is persistent and problematic, consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
