How does Council Deal with Barking Complaints?
Residents annoyed by a barking dog should consider doing ' the neighbourly thing' and speak with the owners to explain the problem. If you are uncomfortable in approaching the owner by yourself then the Community Justice Centre (CJC) on 1800 000 473 can arrange a mediated meeting between yourself and the dog owner. This often prevents the need for Council to be involved.
If you wish to do neither of the above but prefer to make the complaint direct to Council you must do so by either mail, e-mail or fax. All complaints must provide the address and description of the offending dog, dates, times, duration of the nuisance barking over 3 days within a 7 day period and why/how the barking is a nuisance.
You will be telephoned to ensure you are aware of the CJC service before any action is commenced. If you then prefer to contact the CJC, a note will be made on our file to this effect and no action will be taken by Council unless further contact from you.
If you prefer Council to handle the matter then a written Notice will be issued to the dog owner advising of the complaint details. It will also make recommendations to prevent further nuisance barking. If the dog owner requests to discuss the matter with you, they will be advised of the CJC service so they can request a voluntary meeting.
If the nuisance continues then a Statement will be required for further action by Council. You must be willing to give this evidence in Court if necessary. This Statement will enable Council to issue an infringement for the offence and/or ask the dog owner to Show Cause why conditions should not be placed on the dog's registration or why the registration should not be cancelled. Owners will have 14 days to respond to Council detailing action they will be taking to reduce the nuisance barking.
If the registration is cancelled the dog must be removed from the premises either voluntarily by the owner or by Council seizing the dog.
If the owner responds to the Show Cause satisfactorily with measures taken to prevent further nuisance but you maintain the problem is continuing and provide a further Statement the owner will then be interviewed for a summons to be issued. The matter will then be dealt with by the Court.
An owner who feels that their dog is developing a barking habit or has already done so should obtain a self-help information package from Council and is encouraged to contact Council's Petcare Helpline ph: 8930 0606 for assistance. |
