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Barking dogs
All dogs bark but some barking dogs become a nuisance. Excessive barking is one of the most disruptive neighbourhood issues and requires immediate attention.
Nuisance barking – penalties apply for non-compliance and false complaints
Nuisance barking is an offence. The on-the-spot fine for allowing your dog to bark persistently is $100. Rangers will respond to reported barking problems. Initially, the owner may receive a letter from the Ranger to provide the owner with helpful advice.
If the barking problem continues, and further complaints are lodged, the Ranger will investigate. Irresponsible owners who do not comply with the Ranger’s recommendations may incur significant penalties. If taken to court, the fine could be up to $2000 with a daily penalty of $200 for each day the nuisance continues. Complainants who make false reports, for whatever reason, may incur civil court action for false declaration.
If you wish to make a complaint about a nuisance barking dog this must be made in writing to the Shire. All relevant information should be included such as:
- the address where the dog lives
- times and duration of barking
- whether the matter has been discussed with the owner.
A record of barking is to be kept by the complainant. The Shire Ranger will follow up on any complaints. Should a noise nuisance be proven, the owners of the dog are required to take the necessary action to alleviate the noise.
Why do dogs bark?
Try to determine why your dog is barking. Dogs may bark because they are:
- Hungry, thirsty, cold, hot, in need of exercise, or perhaps sick or injured.
- Bored.
- Seeking attention.
- Threatened or protecting their territory.
Check to see if your dog:
- Has access to clean fresh water and adequate shelter.
- Has daily exercise and is not sick or injured.
- Is provided with marrow/brisket bones to chew several times a week.
Boredom
Excessive barking is more common with some breeds than others. Some breeds – such as cattle dogs, kelpies, border collies and German shepherds – were originally bred to work on farms and may have problems adjusting to a suburban backyard. You should carefully select a breed that is suitable for your lifestyle. Long walks on a lead may not be enough to keep some dogs occupied. They may become barkers through boredom and frustration.
To help ensure your dog does not become bored, make sure it has plenty to do when left alone. For example:
- If your dog likes water, place water in a child’s pool, or garden pool, so the dog can play in it.
- Use old drink bottles or milk containers that are half filled with water or stones so your dog can roll them like a toy. These containers also make a good chew toy if left empty.
- Give your dog a bone when you leave the house, this will teach your dog to look forward to receiving something nice and create a positive, rather than negative, reaction when you leave the house.
- Provide a variety of toys (balls, chew toys, something to climb on, food reward toys).
- Leave a radio playing or a television on where the dog can hear it.
For more information contact:
Gavin Jennion, Coordinator Ranger Services
- Hours
- Mon - Fri: 8.00am to 4.30pm
- Telephone
- 9780 5286