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Nuisance Dogs
Dogs | Responsible Dog Ownership | Nuisance Dogs
Barking dogs
Canine noise pollution is one of the most irritating canine behavioural problems, annoying both dog owning and non-dog owning members of the community.
Dogs bark for a reason and dogs that bark habitually suggest that something is not quite right. Some breeds will bark more than others, however, the most common causes of excessive barking are:
- Boredom and loneliness
- Confinement and isolation
- Lack of exercise and activity
- Separation anxiety
- Specific stimuli eg.people or vehicles passing by the property, other dogs or native wildlife
- A health problem
In many cases, excessive barking will occur during the owner's absence and more often than not, the owner can be oblivious to the problem. With this in mind, a friendly approach should be taken. By placing a note in the dog owners letterbox, you will hopefully avoid a kerbside confrontation and also If the problem remains unresolved, Council Rangers will investigate the complaint in order to evaluate the situation. The dog owner will be required to take immediate action to resolve the problem and in most cases will be given time for any measures to take effect. However, if the problem is found to continue, the dog owner may be subject to further action by Council or civil action by the complainant.
Owners should search for the cause and take immediate action to improve the situation. Research the needs of your dogs breed, consider obedience classes increase activity, exercise and the time that you spend with your dog. Helpful advice and assistance can be obtained from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Roaming dogs
All dogs in New South Wales must be on a lead when in a public place unless in a designated off-leash area.
Aggression and dog attacks
Under the Act, owners may be responsible for any injury or damage caused by your dog if it attacks a person or animal. If your dog attacks, regardless of whether the attack occurs on your own property or any other place, you may be liable and ordered to take additional steps to control your dog, have your dog declared "dangerous", be ordered to have your dog destroyed or banned from owning a dog.
The Companion Animals Act recognises that a dog may be provoked into attacking. This includes a situation where a dog is being teased or treated cruelly, a dog responding to an attack on its owner or member of the owners family, or a dog responding to a trespasser. If this is the case, the measures in the Act will not apply. However, if a person deliberately encourages a dog to attack another person and cause injury very serious penalties apply under the Crimes Act. You may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 7 years and/or fined up to $110.000.
- The most unacceptable behaviour from dogs is aggression toward humans or other animals. As a dog owner, you are responsible for your dogs actions. The maximum penalty for dog attack is $ 20,000.
- We can never eliminate situations where an unsuspecting person enters your property, such as a child retrieving a ball, so as a dog owner precautions to minimise the risk of dog attack must be taken.
How to reduce risk of dog bite...
- Never approach a dog unless the owner is present, always ask permission before petting and don't touch the dog unless he shows you he really wants to be petted.
- Never push your friendship!
- Never open your hand to a dog, always present a closed fist first, bringing it up from below. Don't pet on the head!
- Never approach a dog when it is eating, sleeping, in a car or tied up alone
- Always check for dogs before you enter a property and refrain from entering if you are unsure
- Defuse aggressive behaviour...
- There are no fail-safe rules when it comes to dogs so treat every encounter with a strange dog, regardless of breed, as a potentially dangerous situation
- Stay calm, never scream or squeal
- Never run, stand still and don't make any sudden movements
- Don't stare directly at the dog, however don't lose sight of the dog
- Never corner a dog, always allow room for escape
A Nuisance Order may be issued if your dog is found to be repeatedly
- Roaming the neighbourhood
- Making a noise
- Defecating on other peoples property
- Chasing a person, animal or vehicle
- Causing damage to property
