What is classed as unreasonable dog barking?
Nakia Johnston
2025-07-03 23:59:50
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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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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.