Excessive barking is a form of environmental noise pollution that has been proven to impair wellbeing.

A neighbour who refuses to take care of their dog's incessant barking could be reported to the authorities.

Failure to comply with a written notice once the barking is declared a nuisance could result in a fine of up to R20,000.

Excessive barking is a form of environmental noise pollution that has been proven to impair hearing, mental health, and task performance. It interferes with spoken communication and disturbs sleep. It also leads to negative social behaviour and reactions of annoyance, according to a medical study.

And it is up to the owner to stop it.





Having a chat with the dog owner to notify them of the problem is the most sensible thing to do according to lawyer Roy Bregman of Bregman Moodley Attorneys.

It is then expected of the dog owner to investigate – or else.

A dog owner that fails to address incessant barking is in contravention of noise control regulations under the Environmental Conservation Act.

The SA Noise Control Regulations provide that no person shall allow an animal owned or controlled by him or her to cause a noise nuisance, explains Bregman.

If you do decide to take steps against your neighbour, you should begin by making a written complaint to your local authority. Many of them have Noise Control Units whose officials are empowered to take steps if they find that a problem exists, says Alec Veitch, a lawyer at Schindlers Attorneys.

If the barking is declared a nuisance, continued failure to control it can come with a fine of up to R20,000.

Failure to comply with a written notice after the barking is declared a nuisance is an offence that could lead to a fine not exceeding R20,000 or to even imprisonment for up to two years, or to both. cautions Roy Bregman, attorney-at-law

How to avoid incurring hefty fines if it is your dog doing the barking.

One solution if the dog is left alone and is bored or afraid is to fit a cold-air-spray bark collar sold by a vet.

Bregman also notes that the dog may need to see an animal behaviourist to determine if the problem is lack of exercise, lack of stimulation, separation anxiety, protecting territory, or something else that can be addressed.

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