Incessant Noise From Barking Dogs

[HongKongphooey]

We live in a terraced street, mid terrace. We own our house, however directly across the back of us in the next terraced street the house who's yard faces ours has two small dogs who are left out most of the day and bark incessantly. The situation is that the woman who lives there (its a housing association property) is a single mum with a girl of 9ish who works 9 til 3 every most days and the dogs were bought because the child wanted a dog. The child has obviously got bored with the dogs and the mum clearly hasn't got time for them with working, so they are out in the garden for long periods. Other than the barking (attention seeking perhaps??) they are well cared for, in fact one is very podgy. They don't seem to get walked and bark non stop for long periods. As we all live in close proximity it must be driving other neighbours mad as well. Don't know what to do. Don't want to start a big dispute, (I worry she'll guess its us thats complained) Don't feel apart from the fact the dogs are obviously bored rigid that they are being ill treated so I don't think I can contact RSPCA??? her next door neighbour also housing association, doesn't seem to give a stuff, seems a bit spaced out, unconcerned.
But its driving us crackers. Any advice gratefully received

[Buenchico]

https://www.gov.uk/report-noise-pollution-to-council

[rsvp]

I suppose it's not an option to have a quiet word with her and suggest (for the dogs sake) that they are rehomed. They must be unhappy to bark all day and not go out.

[ummmm]

I'd write a letter. She might be unaware if she's out at work.

[HongKongphooey]

thanks for the help everyone. If i have a word then she'll know its me if it continues and we make a complaint. Ummmm, she knows the're noisy, she told my next door neighbour as much recently.

[ummmm]

Why are you afraid of confronting her?

[Khandro]

I agree with ummmm, if she isn't there she doesn't know its happening and she should be informed, there is some information here;

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=153

[SlackAlice]

If your reticent about making a complaint, which means you accepting the noise. Then I'd follow Buenchico's link.

I had a very similar issue many years ago. What I did was record the racket from the dogs onto a 180minute cassette tape (both sides). Posted it to the neighbours and suggested they play it to themselves very loudly and continuously for at least a week.

Not very subtle but it worked.

[Cmitchell]

I'd write an anonymous letter but finish it as if it's possibly from a few of the neighbours e.g. kindest regards, your concerned neighbours.
Re the content of the letter I would suggest that she looks into getting a relative/friend to walk them once a day REGULARLY so that it breaks up the day for them, (personally I have a dog walker for the days we're not at home and he wears out my dog!)
Then, suggest that if that if that is not an option she should employ a dog walker, (I know she's on social but it needs to be suggested)
Then hint that if the incessant barking does not stop then one of the residents will have to start taking detailed logs of when the noise is happening, and for how long etc etc, then post that to her and then if she still doesn't do anything (i.e. have them rehomed) then complain through the proper channels to the council. As far as I'm aware I think here in the UK they have to take them to a dog pound, so it shouldn't be so glum for them.
Regarding the RSPCA you could ring them anonymously and ask their advice on the dogs needs, eg stimulation/ not getting bored, then see what they suggest. They might think they have a case anyway as the dogs are clearly unhappy. Let's face it, they would not just show up and take the dogs away from her, they would give her advice and opportunities to improve the situation.

Good luck keep us posted.

Cmitchell

[HongKongphooey]

thanks everyone again. Yes I am afraid of confronting her, I don't like to complain period! Perhaps i'm a coward!' I'm worried she'll get angry with me, call me a nosey cow!! I work part time, but the noise is often there when I get home, am off, early evenings, even when she's home they are outside. I am also aware its not easy for single mums who work, but I help with a dog charity, and these animals are clearly unhappy, as well as being a noise nuisance to nearby neighbours.

[Khandro]

HKP;//I'm worried she'll get angry with me, call me a nosey cow!!//
Why would she do that? She might thank you for telling her - a big factor is HOW you tell her. Don't go there aggressively, - softly, softly-, tell her politely "I think you ought to know......" don't imply that she is being cruel to her dogs or uncaring to her neighbours or you will likely antagonise her.
Knock on the doors of other neighbours and see how they feel; just because one doesn't seem to care doesn't mean they all do and it would strengthen your cause if you had some support.

[ladyalex]

I think I would ring the local RSPCA branch and ask their advice.
They must have dealt with this kind of thing many times so may be able to make helpful suggestions.

[MrEe]

You could contact the housing association - it is likely that she would have, or at least should have, asked for permission before getting the dogs. There should also be clauses in her tenancy agreement about managing pets, not disturbing neighbours, etc.

[tamborine]

Chuck dogs some chew bones or a rubber ball.

[whiskeryron]

I suggest you look at the link that Buenchico has given you at 01.58. You are suffering big time from noise pollution. Don't be silly DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

[wolf63]

I can't help you with legal help sorry. I can empathise with you, I live in a city centre and it is a toss up as to who the most annoying producer of noise pollution - the happy rat/dog out back or the millions of birds.

They drive me and my moggies nuts.

[trt]

I think you will be in for a long haul if you don't start acting now.

You need to get in touch with the Environmental Health straight away, and keep a diary of when and what times the dogs are barking.

You could ask some of you near neighbours if they are disturbed by the dogs, and if so, get their names and contact numbers, and give them to the E/H, as well.

Just for more backup, call the RSPCA, as suggested from other posters.

I know the feeling, I have been through it, and its a bloody nuisance.