Barking Dogs

Barking is a normal instinct for dogs and an important means of communication. Dogs may bark excessively for different reasons including anxiety, boredom, distress, excitement, fear and territorial defence.

Dogs may also bark excessively if they are chained or fixed to one point, being provoked deliberately or unintentionally by people or other roaming animals, not getting enough exercise and not being properly trained.

If you come upon a dog barking excessively, follow the steps below to resolve the issue:

 

What can I do?

Step 1.Step 1

The owner may not realise their dog is bothering you or others in the area, and in many cases will be happy to work with you to solve the problem. If you feel the dog's owner is unapproachable or you are uncomfortable doing so, a polite letter in their letterbox may help.

Step 2.Step 2

Contact Bathurst Regional Council to lodge a customer request. You will be required to complete Nuisance Barking diary to record the times and date of the barking. Your customer request will be held in ‘pending’ status until the completed noise diary is returned to Council.

Step 3.Step 3

Council’s Ranger will investigate. This includes contacting the owner of the dog, monitoring of the premises, contact with other neighbours in the location, review of the noise diary and other measures.  Once the review is complete a decision on whether Council will pursue further action will be communicated to you.

Download Councils Barking Dog Information Pack(PDF, 406KB)

NOTE:  Council will not get involved in neighbourhood disputes that use barking dogs as an excuse. Whilst your identity will be kept confidential, Council will not accept anonymous complaints. You can contact a Community Justice Centre or Local Court for a Noise Abatement Order at any time. This does not require Council involvement.

 

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