Report a dog or stock issue

More often or not the dog owners may not be aware that their dog may be creating a nuisance and appreciate being made aware and would look to remedy the problem. If you don't feel comfortable talking to the owner, you can leave a flier or a letter in their mailbox. With any luck, they'll be responsive to your concerns and willing to work with their dog and you to fix the problem, so you won't need to report them to us.  Alternatively, Animal Control staff can make initial contact with the dog owner to advise them of the problem.

If the barking continues and you want to report it, we'll need you to complete a barking record sheet. We require detailed recordings to indicate the level of nuisance, on a daily basis. The record sheet helps us to demonstrate that we have reasonable grounds to enter onto the dog owner's property. It also gives us possible patterns to help us identify the cause of the issue and therefore help us work out a solution with the dog owner. Without the schedule, or with insufficient detail, the complaint may not be substantiated and no further action can be taken.

To report excessive dog barking and any other non-urgent animal control issues (or to enquire about any other general animal control-related matter), use our freephone 0800 492 452, email us or request a service.

Find out how to report urgent dog or animal issues and about dog attacks and aggression, including which breeds are classified as menacing by breed.

Report a barking dog

If the dog is still creating a nuisance by persistent loud barking or howling, one of our animal control officers will assess the barking problem and offer advice to the dog owner for remedial actions. If the barking is still persistent or we receive further complaints, a barking survey will be carried out within the neighbourhood.

An officer can make a requirement of the dog owner specifying what must be done to fix the situation. In extreme cases, this can include a requirement to remove the dog. The dog owner can file an objection to the requirement and the Council will then hold a hearing to determine an outcome. The officer can also impose a $200 instant fine for the bylaw offence of allowing a dog to cause a nuisance. If further complaints are received, and a notice has not been complied with, the dog can be seized.

We prefer to resolve nuisance complaints through discussion, mediation and creative problem solving. Communication is the key - enforcement is a last resort.