Police forces, councils, and other groups have issued advice on what you can do if your neighbour's dog is barking too much. With home working becoming more common and warm weather encouraging more time in gardens, noise from neighbours is increasingly noticeable.
Official bodies like the police and council emphasise that noise is a normal part of community living. Whether from building work, a barking dog, or children playing, residents are expected to tolerate a certain level of noise. The key issue is when that noise becomes unreasonable and requires action.
Police Advice
South Wales Police states that although "we don't always see eye-to-eye with our neighbours," in most cases "simply talking peacefully to one another is the best way to solve a problem." They note that common disputes involve noise, parking, property boundaries, overgrowing trees, and children playing. However, they clarify: "It's important to note that most of these cases are not matters for the police, although there are some circumstances when you should contact us. If the problem involves noise, such as a loud party or dogs barking, please contact your local council as this isn't a police matter."
West Yorkshire Police offers similar advice: "In the first instance, we would advise that you approach your neighbour directly in an attempt to resolve the situation. They may not be aware that it is happening. You should always ensure that any contact does not escalate the situation. If you have already tried this, the noise could amount to noise nuisance so, you should contact your local authority who will have a specific department to deal with such issues. Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated then the RSPCA will not be able to help."
Council Guidance
The Shared Regulatory Services body, a partnership between Cardiff, Bridgend, and Vale of Glamorgan councils in south Wales, says "it is normal to hear a certain amount of noise from your neighbours" and "it is normal for dogs to bark sometimes." They add that "if noise is excessive or as a result of unreasonable behaviour, we may be able to assist in certain cases."
Different councils in the UK may have varying rules and guidelines on what and how they investigate noise, so residents should check with their local council. Shared Regulatory Services can investigate loud music, persistent dog barking or animal noise, property and car alarms, noise from commercial properties, musical instruments, and DIY at unreasonable times. However, to take action, the noise must be so excessive as to be considered a nuisance. The noise "must be excessive and substantially affect occupiers of neighbouring properties."
Proving Noise Nuisance
Proving a neighbour's dog is a noise nuisance requires significant groundwork. Shared Regulatory Services warns that it is "a lengthy process as it requires the collection of a lot of evidence" and that the complainant is responsible for evidence collection. They state: "You will be required to complete noise logs sheets which will form part of a signed witness statement should enforcement action be necessary." They warn: "We will be unable to progress your complaint if you do not return the log sheets." They add: "Court cases are rare as we try to resolve complaints informally, however you may be required to attend court if the case progresses to a prosecution."
Citizens Advice Recommendations
Citizens Advice offers similar guidance. They recommend discussing the issue directly with the neighbour as the best first step. If that fails, residents can report the matter to the council. They advise keeping detailed records of the noise before reporting it. If the noise crosses into anti-social behaviour, it can be reported to the council or, if the neighbour is renting, to their landlord or housing association.
