Under the Dog Control Act 1996, a dog’s barking must be persistent and loud to be classified as a nuisance.
What is deemed excessive by one person may not be to another. If you are being disturbed or annoyed by the persistent and loud barking or howling of a dog, you should report the dog to your local Animal Control Unit. You can find their contact details here.
Upon receipt of your complaint you will be asked to keep a record noting the date, time and length of each barking incident. You will be expected to identify and establish establish whether the animal is distressed or simply being a nuisance. Armed with this information, Animal Control may:
1. Send an officer onsite to assess the situation.
2. Notify the owner that their dog has a complaint against it.
3. Provide written feedback to the complainant.
If there is no improvement after Animal Control’s investigation, and a separate complaint is reported against the same dog, the Council will then take the necessary steps to try to resolve the problem.