Barking Dogs
Barking Dogs
Barking is a dog's natural form of communication. However, when barking becomes excessive or persistent, it can create nuisance issues for neighbours and the wider community.
As a dog owner, it is important to understand that excessive barking may be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Health issues
- Boredom or lack of stimulation
- Separation anxiety
- Lack of exercise or environmental enrichment
- Fear or anxiety triggers
Excessive barking is one of the most common animal-related complaints received by Council and can have a significant impact on the peace, comfort, and wellbeing of neighbouring residents.
Responsible Dog Ownership
Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets do not create an ongoing nuisance for others. Identifying and addressing the cause of excessive barking can improve your dog's wellbeing and help maintain positive relationships within the community.
If your dog is barking excessively, consider seeking advice from your veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviour specialist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management strategies.
What Can Council Do?
Under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, Council may take action when a dog persistently interferes with the peace, comfort, or convenience of another person.
In many cases, a dog owner may be unaware that their dog is barking while they are away from home. Sometimes a conversation or advice from Council is enough to resolve the issue. However, to investigate a complaint effectively, Council requires evidence demonstrating the extent of the barking.
If a Neighbour's Dog is Barking Excessively
If you are experiencing problems with a neighbour's dog barking excessively, it is recommended that you first speak with the owner respectfully to discuss the issue and work towards a solution.
If the barking continues, you may submit a complaint to Council and complete a Barking Dog Diary.
Keeping a Barking Dog Diary
A Barking Dog Diary is an important part of Council's investigation process and is required before a complaint can proceed.
When completing your diary:
- Record each barking incident as it occurs.
- Note the date, time, and duration of the barking.
- Record any circumstances that may have triggered the barking.
- Complete entries as accurately as possible.
The diary forms part of Council's confidential investigation and may be used as evidence should legal proceedings become necessary.
To download a Barking Dog Diary, click here.
Submitting Your Barking Dog Diary
Once completed, your Barking Dog Diary can be submitted to Council by:
- Delivering it to the Port Pirie or Crystal Brook Council offices
- Emailing it to developmentandregulation@pirie.sa.gov.au
- Attaching it to a Customer Request through Council's website
Your complaint will then be referred to a Council Compliance Officer for investigation.
What Happens Next?
Once your complaint has been received and assessed, a Compliance Officer will contact the dog owner, usually in person and/or by letter, to advise them that a complaint has been received and discuss potential solutions.
Council will also keep you informed throughout the investigation process.
If the Dog Owner Cooperates
Where the dog owner acknowledges the issue and agrees to take steps to reduce the barking, the problem can often be resolved without formal enforcement action.
Some solutions may take time to become effective and may require a trial period. During this time, it is important that you continue monitoring the barking and recording incidents in your diary, as this information helps both the owner and Council assess whether the issue is improving.
Please note that trialling a solution does not exempt a dog owner from their responsibility to prevent excessive barking, nor does it prevent Council from taking further action if the nuisance continues.
If the Dog Owner Does Not Cooperate
If the dog owner does not cooperate or the barking continues, Council may consider formal action. To pursue formal actions, Council may request the deployment of an Acoustic Monitoring Device to capture evidence of the nuisance barking.
Council has the authority to issue an expiation or a Control (Barking Dog) order requiring the owner to take reasonable steps to abate the nuisance. The owner is then provided an opportunity to make submissions to Council regarding the matter.
Need Assistance?
If you require further information regarding barking dogs or the complaint process, please contact Council on (08) 8633 9720.