How long can a dog bark legally in UK?
Jacinto Wolf
2025-07-19 11:26:36
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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.
If convicted of breaching a Noise Abatement Notice, the offender may be ordered to pay an unlimited fine and the Court may impose a Criminal Behaviour Order, which could have the effect of requiring them to reduce the number of dogs owned.
Please be aware that the information on this page relates to laws in England and Wales.
You must not rely on it as constituting legal advice and so for specific guidance on your particular doglaw issues please contact us.
If it’s boredom barking, then perhaps look to give the dog more exercise and if it needs to be left alone then leave it with distractions such as stuffed Kongs.
Tackling noise nuisance from a barking dog isn’t going to be straight forward and there’s unlikely to be a ‘quick fix’.
Summer Cummerata
2025-07-16 02:35:49
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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. An abatement notice will request that certain levels of noise are not exceeded, or, state times at which it is allowable. This can be delayed up to 7 days while the person is given an opportunity to reduce the noise. The council will serve an abatement notice to the persons responsible for the noise. Dog barking is considered a nuisance when the noise interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home. Should this not resolve the barking issue, then the council can take further actions which include fines and an escalation for an injunction.
Maye Gleichner
2025-07-07 04:33:45
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Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, a barking dog can be a statutory noise nuisance. An owner could be taken to court if nothing is done to stop the nuisance. If you don’t take steps to solve the problem and we conclude that the noise created amounts to a statutory nuisance, a noise abatement notice can be served requiring the noise to be reduced to an acceptable level. If you fail to comply with an abatement notice, you could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.
Tierra Steuber
2025-06-30 09:03:24
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Problems arise when dog barking becomes excessive and unreasonable. 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. This may include the serving of an Abatement Notice on the person responsible for the dog/s requiring the stopping of the barking.
Elnora Reichel
2025-06-21 00:24:40
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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 you're concerned about a dog barking excessively near you, there are things you can do:
Speak to the owner.
They may not be aware that there's an issue.
If speaking to your neighbour hasn't worked or isn't an option, try contacting your local council about the noise complaint.
If there is a welfare concern they will contact us.
Caroline Kihn
2025-06-20 23:07:56
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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. It is a criminal offence not to comply with such a notice and the council may prosecute and you could be faced with a fine up to £5,000, plus costs.
Nakia Jaskolski
2025-06-20 20:42:52
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: 24
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.
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