So,The neighbors behind my house have a dog who will bark all morning long?

Question

And its a nuisance,i just want to know who should i contact in this case,to file a complaint,the cops,animal control,etc????

Ps. I feel bad for the dog because i imagine that he must not be properly taken care of by my neighbors and that that is posssibly why he barks so much.

Usually,it doesnt bother me because i keep my window closed but i can still slightly hear it every morning,last night i slept with my window open and the dogs barking woke me up around 5am,i noticed that the neighbors were home,since all the lights were on,and after an hour of non-stop barking they finally decided to take him inside,i hope without beating him,since its not the dogs fault that they are irresponsible dog owners!

Answer 1

Calling and complaining to the cops won't do a thing unless they receive three or more calls. Then they will take action and there will be a court hearing to determine if the dog must go or if the current owners can keep the dog. Animal control won't be able to do anything unless the dog doesn't have food or water and shelter. Good luck it sounds like the dog could use a better home.

Answer 2

It depends on where you live. In Orange County, CA they passed a barking nuisance law. You can call the police after 30 minutes of non stop barking. The owners get a ticket.

If I were you I would first talk to the owners and see what is going on. Could it be that the owners schedule changed and the dog is stressed? If you find that the dog is not being properly cared for then call Animal Control, they can assess the situation and do what is right for the dog.

One last thing, if you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowners association, you could file a complaint that way.

Answer 3

If he's outside all the time, you could always start by writing an anonymous letter to the people letting them know that their dog barks constantly and asking if they could please keep it inside the house.
My dogs bark a lot when they see people going by, but I keep them inside so I doubt anyone but me can hear them.
They may be at work and may not realize the dog barks the whole time it's outside. If it doesn't bark the rest of the day, I'm betting that's cause it's inside the rest of the day. I'd send them a letter letting them know about it first. Then if there's still a problem a week or so later, then report it to animal control. Though, in some areas if there is no animal control you report it to the local police. If my dogs were causing a nuisance I'd want to know and have a chance to fix it before someone called the authorities. They may not even know it's a problem.

Answer 4

If the dog stays outside all the time, then that sounds like a problem. But if the dog is only outside certain times of the day, it may be normal dog behavior.

We have dogs living all around us. They are usually quiet when they are alone. But as soon as another dog is outside and next to the fence, they will bark like crazy. It's annoying, but dogs will be dogs. We just try to let our dogs out at different times if possible.

It can be akward to bring this up with your neighbor, but if you evaluate what is making the dog bark (other dogs, other noises in the neighborhood, etc), maybe the owner could make a change to help the situation.

Answer 5

Talk to the neighbors first. They may not be aware it is bothering anyone.

Some dogs are just vocal.
They may leave him out for a few hours thinking everything is fine, while they run errands or go to work..
This was the case with a neighbor of mine. When I told them he barked all day, they were mortified. They had no idea. They thought he enjoyed being outside.

Before you get any kind of authorities involved, why not give them the chance to rectify the situation or find out more about it yourself?
Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Legally you can report it to Animal Control of your city government or county if you live in unincorporated areas. If your area doesn't have an animal control than the local police department or sheriff's office that has your home you and your neighbor's home in it's jurisdiction.

You do not have to contact the neighbor first but if you feel comfortable with it you can. Many dog owners don't know their dogs are barking in their absence so I would give the neighbor the benefit of the doubt and inform them nicely first before calling someone out on them.

Answer 7

The dog is needing attention that has to be why its barking its trying to get someones attention. First I would try and talk to the neighbor or leave a note. Worse case Call the police, animal control also but I think the police would site her/him. Animal control would be if you think the dog is being neglected or abused.

Answer 8

talk to the neighbors 1st... if they dont do anything about it and give you a hard time.. the cops would be next.. but only call if the dog is barking after 10pm and before 6am .. im pretty sure thats the only time they will really do anything .. at certain times people can make as much noise as they want.. if you dont think the dog is being treated rite try to get evidence of this then call animal control on the people

Answer 9

Do you know the people?

I'd either call and say this is so and so and the barking is very bothersome - or you and a few neighbors go together and write a note - and say failure to comply will force you to call the police/animal control -

It's a tough spot because it's horrible with tension among neighbors.

Answer 10

Contact local animal control and tell them the neighbors can not control their dog. You might also want to see if the dog has a rabies vaccination. If not they will have to come and check for health purposes.