If a dog creates a noise, by barking or otherwise, which persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, it is considered excessive/nuisance barking. Dogs bark to express excitement, boredom, stress, anxiety or to let you know they’re defending their territory. Excessive barking is often a sign that something is wrong.
It is important to keep in mind that the dog owner may not be aware that the barking is causing an annoyance to other people as:
- The dog may only bark excessively when the owner is not home.
- The owner may not hear the barking from some areas in their house.
- The owner may be a very sound sleeper and has not woken when the dog barks.
Report a barking dog
Council recommends speaking with the dog owner before approaching Council. The dog’s owner may not realise that the barking is annoying other people. If you are uncomfortable with speaking to the dog’s owner, Council has created a letter template you can print and put in their letterbox here.
To lodge a formal request with Yarra City Council to investigate you will need the following:
- The address of the dog.
- A completed and signed barking dog form.
- A completed 7-day barking dog diary.
barking dog form
Barking Dog Diary
As part of our investigation, we may survey the surrounding residents to confirm if anyone else is affected by the barking.
Once your barking dog form and 7-day barking dog diary/noise log has been completed, you will need to attach it when lodging the complaint.
Report a barking dog
If we do not receive the required information or your participation, we may not be able to pursue the investigation or take appropriate action.
Someone has made a complaint about my dog
Yarra City Council recommends you examine the behaviour of your dog and make an informed decision as to whether the barking would constitute a problem for others living in your vicinity.
You can find more information on the Animal Welfare Victoria website or speak to your local animal training specialist.
If a dog creates a noise, by barking or otherwise, which persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, it is considered excessive/nuisance barking. Dogs bark to express excitement, boredom, stress, anxiety or to let you know they’re defending their territory. Excessive barking is often a sign that something is wrong.
It is important to keep in mind that the dog owner may not be aware that the barking is causing an annoyance to other people as:
- The dog may only bark excessively when the owner is not home.
- The owner may not hear the barking from some areas in their house.
- The owner may be a very sound sleeper and has not woken when the dog barks.
Report a barking dog
Council recommends speaking with the dog owner before approaching Council. The dog’s owner may not realise that the barking is annoying other people. If you are uncomfortable with speaking to the dog’s owner, Council has created a letter template you can print and put in their letterbox here.
To lodge a formal request with Yarra City Council to investigate you will need the following:
- The address of the dog.
- A completed and signed barking dog form.
- A completed 7-day barking dog diary.
barking dog form
Barking Dog Diary
As part of our investigation, we may survey the surrounding residents to confirm if anyone else is affected by the barking.
Once your barking dog form and 7-day barking dog diary/noise log has been completed, you will need to attach it when lodging the complaint.
Report a barking dog
If we do not receive the required information or your participation, we may not be able to pursue the investigation or take appropriate action.
Someone has made a complaint about my dog
Yarra City Council recommends you examine the behaviour of your dog and make an informed decision as to whether the barking would constitute a problem for others living in your vicinity.
You can find more information on the Animal Welfare Victoria website or speak to your local animal training specialist.
