constantly whining dog next door

littlerock

We live in a very built up urban area with very small gardens, little more than yards. Recently the youngish retired couple next door acquired a dog which whines or cries or barks almost continuously. They sleep in the front of the house but we sleep in the back and it is quite intrusive. It goes on until late in the evening and starts again early, very early, in the morning. We think it is allowed to sleep in their kitchen overnight but for as short a period as possible.

I raised it with my neighbour and he said it belongs to his son, who has recently gone to work abroad, so left it with his parents for the duration. I get the impression they did not want it. (I never see them walking it but I suppose it must go to the park at least once a day to do its business as their yard is completely paved.) My neighbour seemed to think its barking was an insoluble problem but clearly sleeping in the front of the house it does not bother him and his wife. At least if it does he is not admitting.

I do not mind dogs in the right place but left alone in the yard almost round the clock cannot be good for it. I do not want to fall out with my neighbour but a friend came to stay recently and said she was both kept awake and woken up by it. Is there a standard procedure for reporting dogs who are left to bark unattended all day in urban gardens?

pinkshoes

Could you offer to walk it and see if that helps?


It would count as a noise nuisance so environmental health would help. You will need to keep a log of times and noise levels. Download a dB app onto your phone to record noise level.

KateLiana27

I would go around again and tell them you are very concerned about the welfare of the dog, and it is causing a significant disturbance. I would allow them a couple of weeks to sort it out (which is their problem, not yours - but to helpful you could suggest they pay for a dog-walking service, keep the dog indoors from earlier in the evening / later in the morning), and if they don't take action, contact environmental protection at your local council (who will deal with the noise disturbance) and/or the RSPCA (who will deal with the welfare of the dog).

I can't stand irresponsible dog owners. Our garden borders on 4 others, all of whom have dogs, and we never hear a sound. Because they're good owners. It can be done.

Fire_Fox

From memory ... RSPCA have guidelines on basic care: dogs can be kept outdoors or indoors-outdoors IF provided with appropriate shelter (dry/ temp/ size), food, access to water, poop removed, space to stretch and move about.

Your neighbours are daily caretakers so responsible for welfare. Likely ignorantly so. Do you know vwhen the son is due home?

An RSPCA officer will visit the home if a report is made. Unless there is threat to life/ obvious cruelty - vet called, police called, animal removed pronto - the officer will simply make written recommendations and schedule a repeat visit. The caretakers can also sign the dog over if they prefer.

Pick your battles with the incessant noise (insomnia is only hell for the first few years anyway!). You sound MORE THAN reasonable here, but others abuse the system due to neighbour disputes or whatever. So legitimate worries about the dog's welfare might easily be overshadowed.

KARMA and double-weekend ZZZZZ for still caring for this dog, whilst struggling yourselves. FWIW you made me smile.

dunroving

I feel sorriest for the dog. Sometimes having to give up a dog is unavoidable, but it sounds like in this situation the son has selfishly dumped the dog on his parents.

Personally, I'd call the RSPCA.

KateLiana27

Here are the details from my local council; yours should have something similar. It sets out who does what regarding problematic dogs (or owners...)

http://www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/environment/animal-health-and-welfare/dog-warden-service.aspx

Fire_Fox

Just re-read your post!

Noise complaints are the responsibilty of Environmental Health at your local council. Often informal mediation (the officer goes next door for a chat) is their first step. Expect to be asked to keep a diary.

Experiences and outcomes vary. Shower of sh1te IME (both sides of the complaint, more than one council).

Mee

This Gov.uk information page includes a link to advice on dispute resolution - may be worth a look.

Fire_Fox

dunroving wrote: »

I feel sorriest for the dog. Sometimes having to give up a dog is unavoidable, but it sounds like in this situation the son has selfishly dumped the dog on his parents..

THIS. A pet is not a pot plant or a valuable ornament: they live, breathe, feel, need. For someone with the time, ability (all senses) and will to meet and enjoy that.

The hardest and most loving thing we can do is let go: accept or ask for help or support, to a new forever home, or send them to 'Rainbow Bridge'. Furry love right up your nose for anyone feeling this recently.

My little girl is the sweetest natured, easiest kitty ever. I wouldn't dream of parking her at my pet-free-by-choice parents tho. A week would leave all three traumatised! :rotfl:

gardner1

Never mind all the softly softly approach that'll get you nowhere.......get round there tell them straight that the dog is a nuisance and if it continues you will contact the council

littlerock

thanks everyone