If you are kept awake by a neighbour's dog that won't stop barking, police guidance suggests speaking directly to the neighbour first. The Ask the Police website advises that the owner may not be aware of the issue or its impact on you.
However, if the noise is relentless or there are concerns about animal welfare, the advice changes. The police have no powers of prosecution for noise offences, so contacting the local authority's environmental health department is recommended for ongoing problems. If you suspect the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA.
For long-term issues, the council may ask you to keep a diary of the noise or provide equipment to record it. If a statutory noise nuisance is confirmed, a noise abatement order can be issued, and breaking it can lead to a fine. Councils can also issue warning notices for noise exceeding permitted levels between 11pm and 7am, with penalties of £110 for residential properties or £500 for licensed venues, potentially rising to £1,000 or unlimited fines upon prosecution.
