Police Guidance on Noisy Neighbour Dogs: Direct Approach Advised First
Ever found yourself lying awake at night due to a neighbour's dog that won't stop barking? Police guidance has revealed exactly what you should do in these frustrating situations, and the answer may catch you off guard.
Initial Steps: Communication Over Complaints
Whilst your first instinct might be to ring 999 or contact the RSPCA, the Ask the Police website recommends speaking directly to your neighbour initially. The reasoning behind this is simple: they may have no idea there's an issue or how severely it's impacting you.
According to a previous Mirror article, an online post from Ask the Police explains: "In the first instance, we would advise that you approach your neighbour directly in an attempt to resolve the situation. They may not be aware that it is happening. You should always ensure that any contact does not escalate the situation."
That said, the guidance shifts completely if the noise is relentless or if there are concerns about animal welfare. Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated, the RSPCA will not be able to help. If you do believe that the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA.
When to Escalate to Authorities
If you have already tried direct communication, the noise could amount to a noise nuisance. In such cases, you should contact your local authority, which will have a specific department to deal with such issues. It might come as a surprise to learn that Ask the Police offers very similar guidance for dealing with loud televisions and booming music from neighbouring properties.
Importantly, the police have no powers of prosecution for noise offences, making direct communication with your neighbour the preferred first step. However, for ongoing problems, residents should contact the Environmental Health Department at their local council. Most departments provide 24-hour cover and can be contacted at any hour.
Council Powers and Penalties
Ask the Police's guidance continues: "For long-term problems, you may be asked by your local authority to keep a diary of information about the noise, such as when it occurs, how loud it is etc., and in some cases you may be provided with some equipment to record the noise. These two steps are designed to gather evidence."
If the council then decides that someone is causing a statutory noise nuisance, they must issue a noise abatement order, which if broken can lead to a fine. Local authorities also have powers to issue warning notices for noise complaints that exceed acceptable levels between 11pm and 7am.
In severe instances, this could be escalated to a statutory nuisance if specific criteria are met. Penalties include:
- £110 for residential properties, payable within 14 days
- £500 for licensed venues, payable within 14 days
If the notice isn't paid or settled quickly, it could lead to prosecution and fines reaching £1,000 for homes and unlimited amounts for licensed establishments.
What Councils Investigate and Exemptions
It is the council's responsibility to investigate noise complaints regarding:
- Premises, including land like gardens and certain vessels (for example, loud music or barking dogs)
- Vehicles, machinery or equipment in the street (for example, music from car stereos)
Statutory noise nuisance laws do not cover noise from:
- Traffic or planes (they do apply to model planes)
- Political demonstrations and demonstrations about a cause
- Premises occupied by the armed forces or visiting forces
Councils can choose the level of service for handling noise complaints, such as whether to have officers available on call at night. For more information, head to GOV.UK.
