Dogs bark for many reasons:

•  Lack of exercise or stimulation
•  Loneliness, boredom or neglect
• Hunger, illness, or discomfort
• Lack of training or confinement
• Are chained with limited space

• Provocation by passers-by, traffic or other animals

Excessive or persistent barking may indicate an underlying problem and is considered a nuisance under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a dog is considered a nuisance if it:

“Makes a noise, by barking or otherwise, that 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.”

Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, “offensive noise” includes:

• Noise harmful to a person outside the premises, or

• Noise that unreasonably interferes with their comfort

You must take reasonable steps to resolve the issue before contacting Council:

1. Talk to your neighbour or the dog’s owner
   They may not be aware of the barking, especially if it happens when they are away.
   
   

2. Be specific and polite
   

   Let them know when the barking occurs and how it impacts you.

3. Try mediation
   

   Contact a Community Justice Centre on 1800 990 777 for free mediation services.

You may also apply to the Local Court for a Noise Abatement Order if you’ve attempted resolution without success.

If informal steps fail, you can lodge a formal complaint. Council requires:

• A written complaint describing your concerns
•  Confirmation that you’ve tried to resolve the matter

• Completion of: A Noise Diary (over 14 consecutive days) and/or a Noise Survey

Click here to lodge a formal complaint.

What Happens Next

1. Assessment
   

   Council will review the complaint to determine if there's sufficient evidence to begin an investigation. Anonymous complaints are not accepted.

2. Contact with Dog Owner
   

   If the investigation proceeds, the Ranger will notify the owner and explain the reported problem.

3. Noise Survey Distribution

   Council will distribute surveys to surrounding residents to:

   • Confirm the location and frequency of the barking
   • Measure the impact on the neighbourhood

Council Action

If sufficient evidence is received, Council may:

• Issue a Nuisance Dog Order under Section 32B of the Companion Animals Act

• Issue a Noise Abatement Direction under Section 276 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act

If the barking continues:

• Council may request a formal statement from the complainant

• Further enforcement, including Penalty Infringement Notices, may follow

Important to Know

Legal proceeding require strong evidence

•  Council decisions may be challenged in court, and all evidence must meet legal standards.

Your identity may be disclosed:

•  In court if Council must defend its actions

• If requested under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Expiry of Orders:

•  Nuisance Dog Orders expire after 6 months

• Noise Abatement Directions expire after 28 days

A dog attack includes chasing, harassing, rushing at, or biting a person or animal (excluding vermin), with or without injury.

Dogs may be declared:

• Dangerous
•  Menacing

• Restricted (e.g. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, etc.)

Owners of declared dogs must:

• Keep dogs in secure enclosures
•  Use muzzles and leashes in public
• Display warning signs
• Register and desex the dog
• Ensure children under 16 are not in sole control of the animal

Failure to comply may result in fines and legal action.

If your dog continues to bark excessively, consider:

• Confine them to a quieter area (e.g. backyard, garage)
•  Restrict vision through fences using shade cloth
• Provide more stimulation, exercise and companionship
• Consult a qualified trainer
• Keep your dog indoors at night or in an insulated space

If you find a stray dog:

•  Try to contain it (on a leash or in an enclosed area)
•  Contact Council on (02) 6730 2300 or the Ranger on 0417 890 889

• If the dog cannot be caught, try to take photos or note a detailed description

 Do not approach aggressive dogs. Call the Ranger or Police if there is immediate danger.