Barking Dogs

Step 1

Complainants are encouraged to speak with their neighbour when a dog’s barking becomes a nuisance. Complainants should inform the dog’s owner when the barking is occurring and the effect it is having. If the complainant is not comfortable talking to the dog owner, they can complete and drop off or post a ‘Neighbour Notification Dog Barking Form’ as an informal way of advising and giving the dog owner the opportunity to address the issue. A copy of the letter can be downloaded below in the related documents.

If the matter does not improve over the next 14 days, the following actions can be taken. If at any time the issue is resolved, the case will be closed.

City of Cockburn Ranger Message

It is the dog owner's legal responsibility to control excessive/nuisance barking. Our rangers encourage respectful communication between neighbours as this can potentially avoid a formal complaint and/or enforcement action against the dog owner.

Step 2

If there is no improvement the complainant completes an online Barking Complaint Form and Form 7

Please Note: Complainants also need to complete a Form 7(official complaint form) which is part of the Dog Act requirement. Please attach Form 7 to your barking form submission (when you complete the Barking Complaint Form). Otherwise it will be needed prior to engagement with the dog owner, if the initial 7 day diary is found to prove nuisance issues.

Once the complainant has completed the Barking Complaint Form and Form 7, a link to the online barking diary will be sent via email. The Complainant is required to complete an online seven day barking diary which will be assessed by a Ranger. It is preferable if another resident can also complete a separate online seven day barking diary. Instructions on how to complete the online Dog Barking Diary can be found in the related documents below.

If nuisance barking is proven, a Ranger will contact the dog owner.

14 days pass

Step 3

If barking continues, complainant required to complete a 10 day barking diary. It is preferable if another resident can also complete a separate 10 day barking diary.

If nuisance barking is proven, a Noise Abatement Notice may be issued to the dog owner.

14 days pass

Step 4

If barking continues, the complainants must each complete an additional 10 day barking diary over the same time period. Two complainants or joint evidence is required.

If nuisance barking is proven, an infringement/s may be issued to the dog owner.

14 days pass

Step 5