Barking Dogs

barking dog
Advice for dog owners

If you own a dog that barks excessively, there are positive steps you can take to prevent the dog from barking too much and to reduce and to prevent offensive noise to your neighbours.

The NSW EPA Dealing with barking dogs webpage provides good advice on caring for your dog and provides an insight as to why your dog is barking. It also explains the law applying to noise from dogs and provides information that is intended to make life better for you, your dog, and your neighbours.

Solving an issue with a barking dog

If you experience unwanted noise such as excessive barking or other problems associated with dogs in your local neighbourhood, there are a number of things you can do.

Step 1: Talk to your neighbour

Contact your neighbour first andcalmly explain to them what is happening and how it is affecting you. The owner may not be aware that their animal is causing a nuisance. If you have ideas on how to resolve the issue you could suggest this to the owner.

Step 2: Log a Barking Dog Diary

If you are unable to resolve the animal nuisance issue by talking with the pet owner and through mediation.  You will need to complete a Barking Dog Diary. You can download a copy of our Barking Dog Diary by clicking the button below. 

Download a copy of our Barking Dog Diary(PDF, 135KB)

Please complete the diary for three weeks. Once completed, please upload your completed Barking Dog Diary via our online customer request system, selecting Animal Noise and Dog in the type of animal. Complete the other necessary information and attach a copy of your completed diary.

Once submitted via our online customer request, the diary will be allocated to our Ranger team, who will commence an investigation and will notify you of the outcome.

Step 3: Seek Legal Information

Residents can seek free legal information and guidance through LawAccess | Legal Aid NSW, a government service that provides legal help over the phone and online.

LawAccess can assist with neighbour disputes, noise complaints, and other civil matters by helping you understand your rights and options. This service is free and available to all NSW residents.

For more information, visit www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 888 529 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

 


More information

EPA - fact sheet on barking dog

LawAccess NSW | Legal Aid NSW

 

Further Information

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