What is classed as unreasonable dog barking?
Wendy Schneider
2025-08-11 04:52:45
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Whilst there is no set definition as to what constitutes nuisance barking, owners can find themselves in a legal dispute over the matter. As a general rule, it will be regarded as a statutory nuisance if the noise is of a character which makes it intrusive or irritating. Factors taken into account in making this assessment include: The volume of the barking The duration of the barking The time of day in which the barking takes place. If a dog barks regularly or for a prolonged period it can then be considered a noise nuisance and action can be taken against you.
Lennie Marquardt
2025-08-04 03:18:25
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If a complaint is raised and the noise is considered to unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, then a council will have to take action, this includes dogs barking. Dog barking is considered a nuisance when the noise interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home. This is stated in the 1990 Environmental Protection Act. Sound issues are subjective, and everyone experiences sounds differently, so it is good to get a record of when and how the barking has disturbed you to take to your council. An abatement notice will request that certain levels of noise are not exceeded, or, state times at which it is allowable. Should this not resolve the barking issue, then the council can take further actions which include fines and an escalation for an injunction. The council will serve an abatement notice to the persons responsible for the noise. This can be delayed up to 7 days while the person is given an opportunity to reduce the noise.
Houston Koss
2025-07-27 17:35:18
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: 11
What is considered to be excessive and persistent barking can be difficult to gauge but, as a general rule of thumb, we would investigate and deal with uncontrollable barking, whining or crying, especially at inappropriate times or in circumstances that interfere significantly with how someone uses and enjoys their property.
For example, Continuous barking for 30 minutes on 5 days over a 7 day period.
Barking for more than a combined total of 2 hours in 24.
Barking occurring during “quiet hours” between 11pm and 7am.
Noise from excessive and persistent dog barking can be a nuisance.
Dogs often bark because they are lonely, bored or frustrated, seeking attention, defending their territory or have medical problems.
Dogs should be taught not to bark at everything that moves but to react to everyday occurrences without barking excessively.
Delfina Boehm
2025-07-17 02:10:41
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It is reasonable to expect, and it is not against the law for a dog to bark. However, if the disturbance is substantial enough to be classed as a Statutory Nuisance then it is likely that a Noise Abatement Notice will be served on the dog’s owner requiring them to stop the nuisance. Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for neighbours. There are many reasons why your dog may bark: loneliness boredom or frustration attention seeking defending his territory medical problems local bitch or bitches are in season or on heat. Some dogs just don’t want you to go out. Some dogs will bark because they want to join in what’s going on outside. Sometimes a dog will bark because they are ill – anxiety is often the cause of barking.
Brant Windler
2025-07-08 02:13:18
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Excessive or unreasonable animal noise, e.g. barking, cockerels, for long durations, at a high volume and/or at unreasonable times of day. Animal nuisance can include: Excessive or unreasonable animal noise. Animal nuisance can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. Animal nuisance can include excessive or unreasonable animal noise, e.g. barking, cockerels, for long durations, at a high volume and/or at unreasonable times of day.
Nakia Johnston
2025-07-03 23:59:50
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: 12
Problems arise when dog barking becomes excessive and unreasonable. Even if you can put up with excessive barking it is not reasonable to expect your neighbours to do likewise. Examples of excessive barking can include: frequent intermittent barking over lengthy periods; sustained barking over more than a minute or two; barking early in the morning or late at night. If a neighbour complains to the council we will investigate if your dog/s barking is causing an unreasonable disturbance to your neighbours. Officers will apply their professional judgement when making their decision. If it’s a nuisance the ASB route will be taken. If it amounts to a Statutory Nuisance we may take enforcement action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Aaron Lowe
2025-06-23 15:06:47
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: 18
The occasional bark or 'woof' is usually not a problem for neighbours and others in the community but when barking becomes disruptive, it's often considered unacceptable and unpleasant to many people. If the amount your dog barks increases or becomes excessive, it can be a sign that something isn't right and it may also cause problems for other people. Barking is a form of communication and is a completely normal dog behaviour. However, if a dog feels threatened, they may bark to tell somebody to stay away or to leave. Dogs may also bark when they're in distress – for example, when they're left alone. Research shows that eight out of 10 dogs experience stress when left alone, and may show this stress through barking. A dog may bark to express how they're feeling – for example, when they're excited, frustrated, bored or scared. Dogs bark for so many different reasons and so it's necessary to discover what the cause is. The dog's welfare may also be compromised, but the owner may not realise that their dog has been barking if they're not around at that time.