Noise Action Week - Barking Dogs!

NOISE ACTION WEEK starts today (Monday, 23 May 2011) and this year East Riding of Yorkshire Council has chosen to focus on noise from barking dogs.

Excessive noise can be disturbing and annoying to neighbours and can also have a serious impact on neighbourly relations and people’s health.

A dog barks for several reasons, including when they are bored, stressed or have been unwittingly taught to bark by their owners.

There are a few simple steps to prevent unwanted barking:

• Make sure that your dog gets exercise and quality time with you every day to help prevent boredom.
• Never give your dog praise or treats to keep it quiet. If it is barking for attention, ignore it until you want to give it attention on your own terms.
• If your dog barks at windows, doors or in the garden, remove the dog from the cause to prevent it being able to see whatever makes it bark. When you enter the house do not greet your dog until it is quiet and under control.
• If your dog is stressed or anxious, try leaving it in a room on its own for a short period of time while you are still in the house. As soon the dog is quiet; return and praise it. As the dog becomes more used to this, extend the periods of time and distance.

The council has powers to serve abatement notices on the owners of dogs which bark for prolonged periods. Failure to comply with notices served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 can result in a fine of up to £5,000.

Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for rural issues and cultural services, said: “Last year the council investigated more than 400 complaints of disturbance from barking dogs. We recognise that prolonged barking occurs when dogs are lonely, bored, stressed or need medical attention. The Dog Wardens are committed to providing advice on a range of dog welfare issues and the majority of these complaints can be successfully resolved without the need for formal action.”

For further information or to register a noise complaint, call (01482) 396301 or visit www.animalwardens.eastriding.gov.uk