Neighbour leaving dogs in back garden -- barking overnight -- advice?

jase1

I have a neighbour who is a bit of a problem generally. She has five children who are unruly, there is noise generally (although this typically stops at 7pm), her general standard of hygiene is not good (old mattress out in the back garden, black bags left lying around for prolonged periods etc). This person has been evicted from previous places for non-payment of rent etc, and I have overheard a court official knocking on her door to install pre-pay gas/electric meters due to non-payment of utility bills.

But that is just background, and I have refrained from complaining as I don't like conflict, and I understand that people in her position need to be cut a little slack.

However, one thing that I cannot accept, and has been becoming steadily more common over the last few weeks, is the dog situation.

There are two dogs who are there some days. I believe she is not allowed to keep them in the house so she leaves them out in the back garden.

Of course the problem here is that occasionally something disturbs them and they bark. And the neighbour makes little attempt to quieten them down.

As I work, and need to get up in the morning, this is unacceptable (and won't be for other neighbours either). And it's not right for the dogs either -- that's no way to look after any animal. There is also the environmental aspect, as often there is a smell of defecation from the garden which will attract vermin.

I'm unsure at this point who is the best person to complain to, past speaking to the neighbour. Can anyone advise what needs to be done? I've not had to complain about neighbours before so really am unsure where to start.

elsien

It's not clear from your post whether the dogs are hers or are just there occasionally.

Start off by talking to the neighbour and explaining your concerns. You could try talking to the local dog warden as a starting point to see if they would also have a word. You might want to start keeping a record of the days and times of the disturbances and any other issues as environmental health may be your recourse in due course not just because of the noise but if you start getting nuisance/vermin from the rubbish.
If you think the dogs are being neglected you could try the RSPCA but if they're fed/watered, have adequate shelter and the environment isn't dangerous for them the RSPCA won't do anything.
Do you know if it's a private rental or social housing. If it's social housing you could also complain to the landlord - they are more likely to act than a private landlord.

thorsoak

Have a look at this :- https://www.gov.uk/report-noise-pollution-to-council. It will advise you of the best way to go forward - and your name will not be divulged to your neighbour.