How to file a complaint about a dog barking in New Zealand

If you have a problem with a dog barking in New Zealand, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to try and talk to the dog’s owner. If they are not receptive to your concerns, or if the problem persists, you can make a complaint to your local council.

The Dog Control Act 1996 defines a noisy dog as one that persistently makes a noise that unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person. This includes barking, howling and whining.

If you make a complaint to your council, they will send an officer to investigate. They will talk to the dog’s owner and try to resolve the issue. If the officer finds that the dog is indeed a nuisance, they may issue a warning or an abatement notice.

An abatement notice requires the dog’s owner to take steps to mitigate the problem, such as keeping the dog indoors at night or installing a soundproof fence. If the owner does not comply with the abatement notice, they may be fined.

If you are having problems with a noisy dog, the best course of action is to try and talk to the owner first. If that doesn’t work, you can make a complaint to your local council.