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You are here: Home > Environment > Environmental Health > Environmental Protection > Noise Nuisance > Neighbours > Barking Dogs

Noise nuisance - barking dogs

This section provides information and guidance on noise nuisance and barking dogs.

Frequent and excessive noise from dogs barking may be a statutory nuisance within the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 

Also, if the noise is coming from a tenanted property it is also possible that the noise or the number of dogs being kept is causing tenancy or letting conditions to be breached (if the house in question is not in owner occupation) or that there is a breach of the property's covenants.

Other legal provisions which may be applicable are common law nuisance and  section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Both of these allow individuals to take their own legal action and may offer a more speedy remedy than we can offer using our powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

We would advise you to speak to your neighbours in the first instance. They may be unaware of the degree of disturbance they are causing. 

You might also consider that mediation would be a useful option to consider. 

The East Surrey Community Mediation service can be contacted on 01737 248559 or PO Box 187, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0FT.

If you are a dog owner and you believe your dogs may be barking excessively (this may be happening when you are not at home) please read the advice for dog owners on DEFRA's web site.

Before you make a formal complaint we strongly recommend you read our guidance notes on making a complaint.

Having read the guidance notes,  make your complaint online or  make your complaint by letter, telephone or email.

We will need to know exactly where the activity is taking place and when it may be witnessed by our officers.

Any other information would be helpful. We would also advise you to make a complaint to the owner of the property from which the disturbance emanates if it is occupied by a tenant.