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Barking dogs
Barking dogs It is normal for dogs to bark, however, when that barking turns to loud and continuous barking or frequent bursts of barking throughout the day and night, it can amount to a serious noise nuisance.
I'm disturbed by a barking dog, what should I do?

  • first, try to discuss your concerns with your neighbour, they may not realise their dog is barking and disturbing you
  • if you feel unable to approach them directly try writing a polite letter, remember to keep a copy
  • if relations between you and your neighbour have deteriorated and the dog barking is just an additional problem you may decide the best approach is to consider mediation
Making a complaint to us

We will need you to provide the following:

  • details of where the noise is coming from, the house number and street address
  • what time is the noise happening, e.g. early in the morning
  • your name, address and contact telephone number
We will write to the address where the noise is happening and let them know we have had a complaint.  We ask them to ring in to discuss this further with us.  We will also ask you to fill in log sheets with the dates and the times of when the noise is occurring.  This helps us decide if it is a statutory nuisance.

Environmental Health only take action where they are satisfied a statutory nuisance exists.  'Statutory nuisance' is defined by case law and therefore regularly updated by the Courts and not easy to describe.  However, as a general guide the noise should be an ongoing state of events; and have a major impact on your life not merely causing annoyance.

Action we can take

If from your log sheets it shows there may be a statutory nuisance then we will look at taking further action.  This could be putting noise recording equipment in or an officer visiting to witness the noise and assess if the noise constitutes a nuisance.

If a nuisance is confirmed we will serve a Noise Abatement Notice preventing further noise nuisance.  Failure to comply with a Noise Abatement Notice is a criminal offence.

We will not reveal the source of the complaint at the initial stage of the investigation but if the case ended up in court then your identity may be revealed.

What you can do if your dog barks a lot

the more tired a dog is the less it will bark - organise regular exercise
try not to excite your dog too much when playing as this will lead to barking - try to keep it calm
do not leave your dog outside late at night or very early in the morning if it is prone to barking
consider seeking professional advice from vet or a pet behaviour specialist
do not leave your dog alone for long periods and if you do try having the radio on at a low volume or putting them in a room that is not directly next door to your neighbours.

Other information

Please contact Environmental Health on 01784 446251 or e-mail environmental.health.domestic@spelthorne.gov.uk

Defra website (external website)