2. Barking Dogs
Your neighbours can complain if your dog is often noisy or disturbs the peace unreasonably. A Council officer will discuss the problem with you and offer advice on what you can do about it. If the problem continues and they don't think you are making a real effort to stop the dog barking, the Council can prosecute and you may be fined.
3. Wandering Dogs
It is an offence to allow your dog to wander on its own outside your premises. Your dog must be securely confined - that is, the gates must be shut and the dog must be unable to leave the property.
4. Dogs and Cats on Other People's Property
Your neighbours are entitled to the enjoyment of their garden without your dog or cat roaming around, possibly killing birds, digging up the garden or chasing their animals. If a neighbour asks you to stop your dog or cat coming onto their property you must do so. If they ask you more than once and your animal still strays onto their land you can be sent a Notice of Objection by the Council. If your dog or cat strays again after this Notice, you can be fined or prosecuted by the Council.
Responsible Pet Owner's Checklist
Being a responsible owner means you:
- Choose your type and breed of pet carefully.
- Take your pet to the vet regularly.
- Desex your dog or cat if you don't plan to breed from it.
- Give your dog or cat proper food, shelter and exercise.
- Don't allow your dog or cat to be a nuisance to other people.
- Make sure your dog or cat is looked after when you go on holidays.
- If you can no longer care for your dog or cat, make sure it has another home to go to or place it with an animal shelter.
Dealing with Other People's Dogs and Cats
1. Talk to Your Neighbour.
If you have a genuine problem with your neighbour's pet, start by discussing your concerns with your neighbour. Talk about it in a friendly and constructive way. Many people don't realise that their animal is being a nuisance. Try to find a mutually acceptable solution.
2. Making a Complaint to Council
If talking to your neighbour doesn't work, you can contact your local Council. The Council will pursue legitimate concerns, but to pursue the matter properly they will need your help. You should be prepared to:
- give your name and address to the Council,
- put your concerns in writing to your neighbours in the case of an unwanted dog or cat on your property,
- keep records of the incidents e.g. keep a diary of how often a cat comes into your garden or when you see a dog wandering on its own up the street,
- sign a Statutory Declaration of your complaint if Council asks you to,
- be a witness if court prosecution becomes necessary.
Dog Attacks
Any dog can attack. Dog attacks on adults are caused mostly by dogs outside their owner's property. Keeping your dog securely confined to your property and following the rules of responsible pet ownership will help prevent your dog attacking someone.
By contrast, dog attacks on children occur mostly in the yard of their own home or another person's home. Dogs tend to attack or bite out of fear or an attempt to dominate. Children are often vulnerable targets for a dog attack, even from a dog they know and love. They may provoke aggressive responses by inadvertently challenging the dog or intruding into its territory.
Most injuries to children are inflicted on the head or face. Always supervise your dog around children. Children should be taught not to put their faces close to a dog's mouth and not to hug dogs tightly or tease them. Teach your children not to pat a strange dog, a dog which is tied up, a dog which has been left in a car, or a dog which is eating.
05-Apr-2006
