Editor – I have noticed an increase in complaints regarding barking dogs on various social media sites.
I am not referring to dogs randomly barking at a passerby or the postman. I am referring to dogs that bark non-stop.
The increase in complaints is probably an aftermath of the lockdown. Once the lockdown was lifted and people returned to work, the dogs were left alone. Some of these dogs suffer from boredom or separation anxiety, which is relieved by yapping until the owners return home.
This is especially annoying for people who work from home.
The most logical solution is to approach your neighbour and discuss the problem. I am aiming at finding a solution for those who have taken this route and have been sworn at for their efforts.
The next step is to lay a complaint with the EMPD.
The EMPD cannot respond to a complaint if no one is at home.
By the time the owner is home and the EMPD responds to the complaint the dog has stopped barking, and the owner either denies their dog is a nuisance or falsely promises to attend to the problem.
The SPCA will only respond to cases of cruelty to animals.
I know of the Noise Control Regulations issued under the Environment Conservation Act and that local municipalities, such as the CoE, enforce by-laws pertaining to the keeping of pets and pets causing a disturbance or nuisance.
The question I cannot find the answer to is who do you approach to have these by-laws and regulations enforced.
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I am living in dread of the December holidays. This is the preferred time when the majority of people, especially those in power, take annual leave.
It is of utmost importance that I find a solution before December.
Hypothetically, my neighbour is issued with a notice regarding his barking dog.
He goes on holiday for three weeks in December, and leaves his dog unattended.
The dog barks non-stop for three weeks. What recourse do I have and is there anything I can legally do to stop the dog from barking before the owner returns?
I am of the opinion that my neighbour’s dog has a greater right than I to reside in my neighbourhood.
Please can you shed light on the situation and get advice from the people who enforce the by-laws as to how to go about dealing with a dog causing a disturbance or nuisance.
S James
Editors’s comment – The Express sent a request for comment to City of Ekurhuleni on October 23 and requested comment by October 29.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
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