Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs but dog owners must ensure that their dog's barking does not become a problem.

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1 Barking dogs Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs but dog owners must ensure that their dog's barking does not become a problem. If a dog creates a noise that is persistent or unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of other people then the owner may be fined and a Control (Barking Dog) Order may be placed on the dog. Barking dog Guidelines Barking is considered excessive when it exceeds: 240 barks per day between the hours of 7.00am and 9.00pm, or 35 barks per night between the hours of 9.00pm and 7.00am, or regularly exceeds 30 barks per hour during the day or 4 barks per hour during the night. Dealing with the issue All dogs make noise at some time but if you are concerned about the level of noise a dog is making, try to resolve the issue by speaking to the owner first. Most dog owners are responsible and are willing to work with their neighbours. If you approach them in a friendly manner you may be able to reach a solution without having to take further action. Remember that dog owners may not be aware that their dog is causing a nuisance if they are not at home when the barking occurs. Complaints If you decide to make a complaint to the Campbelltown City Council, please refer to Council s website to download a Barking Dog pack or contact Council on and a Barking Dog pack will be provided. The pack contains detailed information that is required for Council to pursue the matter on your behalf. In the 1 st instance a 7 day diary (included in the pack) will need to be completed. Sufficient Evidence If there is sufficient evidence from your diary that a nuisance exists, Council will contact the dog owner to advise them of the allegation, including their obligations under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act and provide advice to rectify the situation. Council will impose a 14 day monitoring period for the owners to address the barking issue.

2 Resolution Shortly after the 14 day monitoring period if the problem still persists Council will survey nearby residents to see if they are experiencing similar issues with the dog. Council will issue diaries to all parties willing to support Council. Council will then review information from all sources to determine whether formal enforcement action will be undertaken. If the times recorded are occasional or irregular it may not be enough to class the dog as a nuisance. However, if it can be established that the noise is persistent and is an unreasonable interference (as per the barking dog guidelines) Action will be taken. Civil Action Any person can institute civil proceedings against a dog owner in a court. However, this course of action can only be handled by the person making the complaint and cannot be handled by Campbelltown City Council. Further information can be obtained by phoning Councils General Inspectors on

3 Barking Dog Complaint Council Office 172 Montacute Road Rostrevor SA 5073 Tel Fax Website 1. Applicant details Name: Address Contact Number 2. Dog Description Address dog(s) Kept Owners Name if Known 1st Breed of Dog 2nd Breed of Dog Colour Colour 3. Barking dog details Describe the dog's barking and why it is a nuisance to you (use the checklist below to assist you) How often does the dog bark? How long does the barking continue for? What sort of noise does the dog make? Does it bark at certain times of the day? Does it bark in response to passers-by or other stimulus? Where is the barking in relation to your property? Does the barking interfere with any of your normal activities? Does the barking impact on your health or wellbeing? How does the barking impact on other members of your household?

4 Have attempts been made to approach the dog owner to discuss the matter? Yes. How? No. Why? How long do you estimate that this problem has been going on for? 4. Are you willing to support Council? Yes No Declaration I hereby declare that all particulars given by me in this application are true and correct. Signature Date

5 NAME... ADDRESS... ADDRESS OF DOG... Level of Nuisance Please prioritise the following times showing which you consider to be the most annoying times the dog barks:- 1 = High Level of Nuisance 2 = Medium Level of Nuisance 3 = Low Level of Nuisance pm to 6.00 am 6.00 am to 7.00 pm 7.00 pm to pm Noise Level of Barking Loud Whining Yapping Muffled Cause of Barking (if known) Nothing People Walking By Bored Owner Out Territorial of Fence Boundary Legend Action Taken by Dog Owner None Chastised Put Dog Inside Nuisance Level (according to times indicated above) High Medium Low Please Note: USE A NEW SHEET FOR EACH DAY SIGN AND DATE EACH SHEET BE ACCURATE AND PRECISE IN RECORDING TIMES UNTIDY, DILAPIDATED OR ILLEGIBLE RECORD SHEETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED Level of Involvement Are you prepared to attend Court as a witness on behalf of the City of Campbelltown in this matter? Yes No (Any complainant who fails to attend Court after indicating that he/she would substantiate their claim in Court, no further action will be taken, and he/she will be liable for all costs incurred by Council.) Declaration I hereby declare that all particulars given by me in this document are true and correct. Signature Date

6 1 of 7 Signature: Date: 1

7 2 of 7 Signature: Date: 2

8 3 of 7 Signature: Date: 3

9 4 of 7 Signature: Date: 4

10 5 of 7 Signature: Date: 5

11 6 of 7 Signature: Date: 6

12 7 of 7 Signature: Date: 7