Nuisance Dogs

The Shire can assist residents if they have issues with nuisance animals, this includes smell or noise.

Barking Dogs

Barking, whimpering, howling, whining, yelping and moaning are sounds made by dogs for communication. However, excessive noise can be a real nuisance, especially for neighbours.

When dealing with nuisance barking issues it is important that all parties concerned work together to assist in an amicable resolution.

Some dog owners find it hard to believe that their dog is causing a nuisance through barking usually because the dog only barks when they are not at home. 

Under the Western Australian Dog Act 1976 a dog is considered a nuisance if:

• The dog 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 place.
• Generally speaking, examples of possible nuisance noise or barking can include:
  • Barking at passing traffic, people or other dogs that continues for some time after the distraction has passed.
  • Barking regularly during the hours of darkness.
  • Barking, whining and/or howling for regular periods in excess of 15min when the owners are absent or are inside the house and the dog is outside.
  • Barking associated with other behavioural problems.

Neighbours should be aware that they don’t unintentionally cause the nuisance to increase by:

• Hitting the dog or fence;
• Verbally abusing the dog in an aggressive manner;
• Teasing the dog through the fence (normally children);
• Hosing or throwing objects at the dog.

Early action means treatment is more likely to be effective and sufficient time should be given to the dog owner to allow treatment to take place. 

Should the nuisance barking persist after the dog owner has been advised, contact the Shire and request an investigation into the nuisance and advice on how to fill out a barking dog diary.