Dogs in garden kennels

strawb_shortcake

Firstly I'll state I'm not a dog owner, never had one and don't know much about owning one.

New neighbours very recently moved in, and a large kennel has been installed in the garden housing 3 or 4 dogs in separate enclosures.

I can't see what sort of dogs they are, but from a distance one at least is a large dog.

They bark a lot, which I don't really have a problem with, it's a new environment, new home and most likely quite different area (their house is social accommodation and we're quite rural). Giving them the benefit of doubt we're assuming they are just settling in.

The bit I'm not sure about, is that they seem to be in the cage/kennel all day and night, we haven't seen them out walking but doesn't mean to say they haven't. I've looked online and it seems there is some enclosed shelter at the back.

Whilst it's not the way I'd choose dog ownership/companionship is this okay for dogs to live like this? I'll assume they are walked at some point. I'd just hate the thought of them being cold.

My OH thinks they may breed them?

twopenny

Yes, some dogs do live in outdoor kennels but should be exercised.

They will bark at anything and everything because they don't explore the area and will react.

I think all you can do at the moment is keep an eye and see if they are being fed and have fresh water. If they are used to being outside they should be fine given the right housing.

Is it actual social housing? If they breed they are running a business.

Not nice to live next to.

Myci85

Definitely try and keep an eye on if they're fed and taken out. It's quite common for people to keep working dogs in kennels outside, but then they should be out working in the day.

elsien

My neighbours have dogs that are outside most of the day. Barking continuously. I never see them get walked.

personally, I think it is a terrible way to keep dogs.

However in terms of the law as long as they have adequate food, water and shelter that’s really all that’s required. So it may be dogs that like the cold such as huskies, or insulated kennels for other breeds and shade from the sun when it gets hot.
In terms of noise, nuisance, you could try talking to them. Made no difference with my neighbours. Then it’s on environmental health if you want to take it that far if they don’t calm down. It will need a lot of logging of times and duration though, and no guarantee that the council will do anything about it. My local councillor basically said “nothing to do with us.”

If they are breeding as a business they must be registered with the local authority so you could check that out as well.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/dog-breeding-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities

ETA - no idea why this forum is suddenly objecting to posting clickable links.

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81891072#Comment_81891072

Yes, definitely still housing association, the road I live on is mixed, but the HA has been in the last month doing it up.

They may not be breeders, it was just a thought really as they were outside. It just seems strange to me to have 4 dogs that live outside.

Our Other neighbours used to have working dogs years ago, but we never heard a sound from them, they were in a shed overnight but had free reign of the garden and house in the day.

strawb_shortcake

Thank you, will try to keep an eye, almost certain our other neighbours will be keeping an eye out as they are enthusiastic dog owners.

strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81891618#Comment_81891618

Again thank you, it does seem to be big dogs, but they have a good sized garden so seems a shame they aren't able to be more free.

We are trying to give the dogs time to settle, but I'm sure closer neighbours will take up the issue of the barking if it continues.

I wasn't aware of the register for breeders, may be a bit too soon to check as I don't know where they came from or names.

MayDogsandCoffee

If in doubt contact the dog warden via the council, also if housing association building there may be a limit on number of dogs and outside buildings.

sheramber

There are breeds that can get too hot in a centrally heated house.

e.g. Newfoundlands, huskies, malamutes etc bred for living/ working in cold climates.

Savvy_Sue

Also if it's a HA property then

a) there is generally a clause in their tenancy agreement NOT to run a business

b) if they've asked for permission to run a business then it may be granted, BUT

c) if the business is going to cause problems to neighbours - especially interfering with their 'quiet enjoyment' the HA should be VERY interested

d) even if they're not running a business, I'd expect the HA to be 'interested' if the dogs are interfering with the 'quiet enjoyment' of any neighbours and

e) I think HA tenants normally have to ask permission for any pets, and suitability of the property for the pet(s) should be taken into account.

On the face of it, a large garden and a rural-ish area sounds OK for some large dogs, BUT not if they are barking all the time.

It's very tolerant of you to allow 'settling in' time.

twopenny

It's also wise to keep an eye and to have more than one household taking an interest.

Where the county I live in a couple were found to have 69 big dogs in their semi. Another had over 40 big dogs. In both cases nobody local knew .

Hopefully these is just a case of the move and new surroundings.

Our HA does allow pets.