Clackmannanshire Council Online

National Noise Action Week

Stirling and Clackmannanshire residents are being asked to be thoughtful neighbours with the focus on dog barking during National Noise Action Week from Monday May 18 to Friday May 22, 2009.

Noise Control Officers at Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils are receiving many calls about barking dogs causing a nuisance to neighbours. Dog owners can be given a fixed penalty of £100 if nothing is done to control the dog barking.

Senior Night Noise Investigator, Chris Boyle explained: "Our primary aim is to inform and educate people on noise and the problems that it can cause, fixed penalties are only enforced when warnings have been ignored. "

Here are some dos and don'ts to try to ensure dog barking is kept to a minimum: -
Do:

• Leave a radio for company/cover background noise.
• Make sure your dog has had lots of exercise and stimulation before leaving it alone for any period of time.
• Make sure it has plenty of fresh water.
• Consider getting expert help if it is unhappy and destructive when you are out. Contact your Local Dog Warden.

Don't:

• Leave it for excessively long periods.
• Allow your dog to see from a window, as barking is often a reaction to street activity.
• Punish your dog if it made a mess while you were away.
• Make to much fuss when you leave or return home.
• Think that getting a second dog for company will help; it is more likely to make it worse!

Chris added: "Some people may be unaware that Councils have powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, to deal with complaints received in respect of both council tenants and private householders. These powers can also be applied if the dog is outside in a garden or kennel. Noise Control Officers also deal with loud music, noisy parties and DIY, and if a fixed penalty is ignored the legal proceedings will be enforced involving the procurator fiscal and possible increase of the fine to £1000."