| Environmental Protection Torbay Council Roebuck House Abbey Road Torquay TQ2 5TF | |
| ep @torbay.gov.uk | |
| 01803 208091 | |
| 01803 208854 | |
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Barking Dogs
It is natural for a dog to bark, but excessive barking and whining from a dog can be an annoyance to neighbours.
Often the problem will occur when the owner is out of the property and so they are unaware of the problem until they are alerted to it.
What Can You Do?
- Approach your neighbour and explain politely that you are being troubled by the noise. They may genuinely not be aware that they are causing a problem and reduce the noise.
- If this is not successful, write to your neighbour. Explain the effect the noise is having on you and ask them to stop making a noise nuisance. Keep a copy of the letter.
- Start a noise diary. Record the dates and times of any noise problems, note what is causing the noise, its duration and the effect that it has on you. Keep copies of any letters sent and of notes of any discussions you have about the noise, with the person causing the problems.
- If the noise nuisance continues or if you are worried about contacting the person causing the noise, you can contact the Environmental Protection Section of Torbay Council. Explain the problem, and give them the noise diary. Ask them to investigate the problem for you.
If your neighbours are Housing Association tenants you can also send a copy of the information to the Housing Manager.
What will the Council Do?
The Environmental Protection Section will look at your complaint and noise diary to see what the problem is. If they are able to they will deal with the complaint without revealing your name to the person causing the noise, unless you give permission for it be given.
However, it may take court action to stop the noise and the Council may need you to act as a witness. You should be aware of this, but it may not come to that stage.
The Environmental Protection Section will usually write to the people alleged to be causing the noise, and explain the situation to them . This usually cures many noise complaints.
If the problem continues and is considered a statutory nuisance an abatement notice will be served and followed up to get the noise stopped this is dependent on their being sufficient evidence. The Housing Association will consider these problems in relation to the terms of any tenancy agreement in force on their Council properties, and may be able to take action.
What can I do if my dog is barking excessively?
Help and information for dog owners is available from DEFRA or alternatively there are various accessories available designed to aid in the control of dog behaviour especially excessive barking. You should contact the Dog Warden for further information.
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