5 steps to make a complaint about a dog barking in New Zealand
5 steps to make a complaint about a dog barking in New Zealand
If you are being disturbed by a dog barking, there are a few steps you can take to make a complaint. In New Zealand, the local city councils is the organization that deals with complaints about animals, including dogs.
1. Talk to the owner
The first step is to try and talk to the owner of the dog. If you know who they are, explain the situation and ask them to do something about the problem. If they are receptive, it may be all that is necessary to resolve the issue.
2. Make a formal complaint
If talking to the owner does not work, or you do not know who they are, you can make a formal complaint to the SPCA. You will need to provide your name, address, and contact details, as well as the address of the property where the dog is located. You will also need to describe the problem, including how often the dog is barking and what time of day it is happening.
3. The SPCA will investigate
Once the SPCA has received your complaint, they will investigate. This may involve speaking to the owner of the dog, as well as witnesses. If they find that the dog is indeed barking excessively, they may take action. This could include asking the owner to take steps to reduce the barking, such as using a collar that emits a sound when the dog barks. If the owner does not comply, the SPCA may take further action, up to and including seizing the dog.
4. Take civil action
If you have tried the above steps and the problem is not resolved, you may need to take civil action. This could involve getting a noise abatement order from your local council. This is a formal order that requires the owner of the dog to take steps to reduce the noise, or face penalties.
5. Seek legal advice
If you are still not able to resolve the problem, you may need to seek legal advice. This is a last resort, as it can be expensive and time-consuming. However, if you have tried everything else and the dog barking is having a serious impact on your quality of life, it may be the only option.
Making a complaint about a dog barking can be frustrating, but by following the above steps, you should be able to get the problem resolved.
