Dogs are enriching the lives of families and individuals across Redlands Coast in a vast way with more than 30,000 registered dogs in the city.
They offer companionship and happiness to many people.
Introducing a puppy to the family is considered by many to be a great way for children to learn how to care for others through the responsibilities that pet ownership brings.
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Responsible pet ownership includes being mindful of how often your dog barks.
Redland City Deputy Mayor and Environment and Local Laws Portfolio Representative Councillor Julie Talty said some barking was acceptable, but excessive barking could become a neighbourhood nuisance.
“By and far, most pet owners manage their animals very well. But if your dog is barking excessively, it’s important to find out why,” Cr Talty said.
“Problem barking differs from one dog to the next. It could be because they are excited, stressed, bored, in pain, defending their territory, or perhaps lonely – and many dogs will bark when their owners are not at home.”
Under Redland City Council’s local law, owners are responsible for ensuring their animal doesn’t cause a noise nuisance. A dog is considered to be creating a noise nuisance if:
- It barks/howls for more than a total of 6 minutes in any one-hour period between 7am and 10pm on any day
- It barks/howls for more than a total of 3 minutes in any 30-minute period between 10pm and 7am on any day
Cr Talty said Council encouraged concerned neighbours to speak with the dog’s owner in the first instance.
“Talk to your neighbour as soon as the problem arises as they may not be aware that their dog is barking or that their dog’s barking is bothering you,” she said.
“Often the dog’s owner will be keen to understand if their pets are a problem when they are not home and what may be causing it.”
Council has a number of handy tips on its website to help dog owners and the public manage the issue, go to redland.qld.gov.au where you will find:
- Easy tips to help reduce your dog’s barking problems
- Information of where to seek professional help with your dog’s barking
- Links to other agencies, such as the RSPCA, who can offer further advice
- Advice on when neighbours should contact Council or the Queensland Government’s Dispute Resolution Centre, or lodge a noise complaint
- A ‘Dear Neighbour’ blank letter that you can download, fill out and deliver to them if you are uncomfortable speaking with your neighbour directly.
Cr Talty said Council’s Animal Management Team also was available to offer advice and assistance to residents.
“At the end of the day, we want all Redlands Coast dogs to be happy dogs,” she said.
You can contact the Animal Management team on (07) 3829 8999.
