Report a barking dog

Barking is a normal behaviour for dogs. They bark for many reasons - it could be a warning or a sign of excitement, affection, or unhappiness. However, when dogs bark excessively it can become a concern to others.

Nuisance barking

It's important to note there is a difference between a dog's normal barking and nuisance barking, as outlined in Domestic Animals Act 1994. We must rely on this definition when investigating a complaint:

"A dog is to be regarded as a nuisance if it 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.”

Before proceeding with an official complaint regarding barking dogs, we encourage you to attempt resolving the matter amicably with the dog's owner, as this approach often leads to quicker resolutions. It's possible that the owner may not be aware of the disturbance their dog is causing to neighbours.

Additionally, you can seek further assistance in resolving this matter, you may consider contacting the Dispute Settlement Centre.

Dispute Settlement Centre

The Dispute Settlement Centre offers a valuable dispute settlement service that aims to resolve conflicts and disputes between individuals in a peaceful and efficient manner.

This service uses mediation, which avoids the need for costly legal action and provides a private and free solution. Specially trained mediators will assist both parties in finding a workable resolution.

For further information visit the Dispute Settlement Centre website.

If you have attempted to revolve the issue and need further assistance from Council you can lodge a report using the below options:

Online

Step 1.Talk to the dog owner

Approach the dog's owner directly and express your concerns in a clear and polite manner. They may not be aware of the barking problem.

In case you find it difficult to approach the owner or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can try leaving a 'Barking Dog' letter in their letterbox, politely requesting them to address the issue. Council has developed a letter template(PDF, 174KB)to help you.

Often dog owners may not be aware that their dog barks.

These steps often lead to a more successful outcome for both yourself and the dog owner.

If, after taking these steps, the problem persists, and the barking remains a nuisance, you can let us know.

Step 2.Let us know

If the issue is not resolved, you can make a report online

Make a noise complaint

Email

Step 1.Talk to the dog owner

Approach the dog's owner directly and express your concerns in a clear and polite manner. They may not be aware of the barking problem.

In case you find it difficult to approach the owner or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can try leaving a 'Barking Dog' letter in their letterbox, politely requesting them to address the issue. Council has developed a letter template(PDF, 174KB)to help you.

Often dog owners may not be aware that their dog barks.

These steps often lead to a more successful outcome for both yourself and the dog owner.

If, after taking these steps, the problem persists, and the barking remains a nuisance, you can let us know.

Step 2.Let us know

If the issue is not resolved, you can fill in a barking dog complaint form and email it to us at info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Download the barking dog complaint form(PDF, 70KB) and barking dog information sheet(PDF, 178KB)

Phone

Step 1.Talk to the dog owner

Approach the dog's owner directly and express your concerns in a clear and polite manner. They may not be aware of the barking problem.

In case you find it difficult to approach the owner or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can try leaving a 'Barking Dog' letter in their letterbox, politely requesting them to address the issue. Council has developed a letter template(PDF, 174KB) to help you.

Often dog owners may not be aware that their dog barks.

These steps often lead to a more successful outcome for both yourself and the dog owner.

If, after taking these steps, the problem persists, and the barking remains a nuisance, you can let us know.

Step 2.Let us know

If the issue is not resolved, you can call us on 5366 7100 to lodge a barking dog complaint

In person

Step 1.Talk to the dog owner

Approach the dog's owner directly and express your concerns in a clear and polite manner. They may not be aware of the barking problem.

In case you find it difficult to approach the owner or feel uncomfortable doing so, you can try leaving a 'Barking Dog' letter in their letterbox, politely requesting them to address the issue. Council has developed a letter template(PDF, 174KB)to help you.

Often dog owners may not be aware that their dog barks.

These steps often lead to a more successful outcome for both yourself and the dog owner.

If, after taking these steps, the problem persists, and the barking remains a nuisance, you can let us know.

Step 2.Let us know

If the issue is not resolved, you can attend one of our 3 council offices to lodge a barking dog complaint.

You can download and fill out the barking dog complaint form prior to coming in or we can provide one when you come in.

Download the barking dog complaint form(PDF, 70KB)

Download the barking dog information sheet(PDF, 178KB)

Lerderderg Library

215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

Sat 9.00 am - 2.00pm

Ballan Office

15 Stead Street, Ballan

Open: Mon - Fri: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub

182 Halletts Way, Darley

Open: Mon - Fri: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

What happens after you have lodged a barking dog report

We will:

Send an acknowledgment to the complainant.
Contact the owner of the alleged offending dog, informing them that a report has been received and they must take action to abate the nuisance barking within 14 days. The dog owner will also be sent tips to address the issue.
We will continue to work closely with both the dog owner and complainant to help resolve the issue.
If the noise is still an issue after 14 days, the complainant will be required to complete a barking dog diary for 14 days. This is necessary to prove consistent and persistent barking as required under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. It must also be proved that the barking unreasonably interferes with peace, comfort or convenience of another person in other premises.
A Council officer will undertake 3 sit offs at the complainant’s property to confirm that the barking is a nuisance and collect evidence for their investigation. This may include an officer being allowed entrance inside your premises to conduct their investigation.
Should Council determine that the nuisance barking allegations have been substantiated, the owner of the barking dog will be notified to abate the barking.
Should the problem barking continue, enforcement action will be considered. The complainant may be required to submit another diary and an impact statement. The complainant must be prepared to attend Court as a witness

Tips for owners to reduce barking

There area number of reasons a dog may bark, including boredom, medical reasons, fear, or seeking attention.

Remove distractions –

If the dog is barking at noises on the other side of a fence, move the dog away or install a barrier to keep the dog out of the area.
If there are gaps in the fence causing the dog to bark, fill them in.
If the dog is barking at regular occurrences such as rubbish trucks or children going to and from school, keep the dog inside or enclosed during those times.
Should the dog be following pedestrians and noises along a fence line install a barrier to keep the dog from that area.
If your dog can see pedestrians walking by try to block the dog’s view.

Shelter and care -

Be sure that you provide your dog with plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Make sure that your dog has plenty of food & water.
Ensure that your dog has adequate shelter from the elements.

Training -

Do not reward your dog for barking. If the dog is barking to get your attention do not let it inside or give acknowledge it. When the dog is quiet, give the dog praise & attention.
Try to train the dog to stop barking on command. When the dog barks give it a command such as ‘cease’ and call the dog over. Reward the dog when they stop barking.
Attend an accredited obedience trainer.