Noise - barking dogs

It is natural for dogs to bark, but when it is happening often or goes on for a long time, it can be annoying and upsetting. It is reasonable if a dog barks to warn its owner of strange visitors but it is not reasonable if a dog barks at the slightest disturbance or because it is left alone for long periods. Owners who permit their dogs to bark constantly may be liable for an unlimited fine.

What you should do

Make sure that you have correctly identified the dog causing the problem as there may be several in your area. You may like to try talking or writing to your neighbour to see whether you can resolve the issue. The owner may genuinely be unaware that the dog is causing a problem.

If you, or the dog owner are Housing Association tenants you should firstly contact the Housing Association to report your concerns. It is possible that the noise or the number of dogs being kept may be a breach of tenancy or letting conditions.

If you decide you need to contact us to intervene, it is important to note that legally we cannot take anonymous complaints so we will need your details including name, address and a contact telephone number.

What we will do

Every year we receive numerous complaints about dog barking. We will investigate each report and try and work with both parties to find a solution.  

• We will ask you to complete log sheets to show how often and for long you are being affected.
• We may install recording equipment in your property and/or arrange monitoring visits to witness the noise in person to gain further evidence of the problem.
• If we are satisfied that the noise constitutes a Statutory Nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, an Abatement Notice will be served requiring the owner of the dog to stop the disturbance. If the Notice is not complied with, they could face an unlimited fine.

How we investigate noise complaints

More detailed explanation on how your complaint will be investigate