Barking dogs and other animals

Dog barking Most of the complaints we receive about noisy animals relate to barking dogs.

All dogs bark, but loud or persistent barking and whining can cause a nuisance and lead to problems relaxing or sleeping, especially if you have a baby or young children.

If you're having problems with a barking dog, speak to the owner first before making a formal complaint. The problem may be caused by a dog being left on its own for long periods of time, so your neighbour may not be aware of the problem. If this doesn't help, call us on 028 9037 3006 and we can arrange for our dog wardens to visit the owner.

If they can't reduce the frequency and level of the barking, we'll conduct a formal investigation into your complaint.

This includes writing to your neighbour to advise them that we are investigating the noise.

We may also ask you to keep a diary recording the dates and times of each disturbance. This helps our officers to work out the best time to hear the noise, as well as gathering important evidence which may be needed if legal action is required.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 we can serve the owner with a Noise Abatement Notice if we feel the noise is a nuisance.

This gives the owner a time limit to reduce the noise but, if it continues, they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.