Living next to a noisy dog can test even the most patient neighbour. I, for one, live in a residential area where houses and gardens are connected almost into a circle, and my neighbours have very loud pets (and children), so I understand the pain. The constant barking disrupts sleep, interrupts work, and makes it hard to enjoy peace at home.
Many people in this situation feel stuck, unsure whether to confront the neighbour, call authorities, or just endure it. To get clarity, I asked three different experts what the best approach really is. Surprisingly, they all gave me the same piece of advice – and it’s more serious than I expected.
Contact your local council
All three experts suggest that you should contact your local council about your neighbour if the noise is considered a “statutory nuisance.”
Benson Varghese, a Board Certified Criminal Lawyer, a criminal defence attorney and founder of Varghese Summersett, said: “If your neighbour’s dog won’t stop barking, the law in the UK gives you a few routes depending on where you live.
“In England and Wales, councils deal with dog noise under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If the barking is excessive and disrupts daily life, the council can investigate and, if necessary, serve what’s called an abatement notice. Ignoring that notice can lead to prosecution and a fine.”
A law expert, licensed attorney, and Senior Contributor at Custody X Change, Joanna Smykowski, also said: “A persistently barking dog can turn from an irritation into a legal nuisance. This doesn’t mean an occasional bark at the postman, but a regular, intrusive noise that affects your ability to enjoy your home.
“The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 also gives councils and police powers to intervene where barking causes harassment or distress. A Community Protection Notice may be issued, compelling the owner to take steps such as training or keeping the dog indoors at certain times. Failure to comply can bring fines or prosecution.
Joanne Ellis, partner and specialist in dispute resolution at the law firm Stephensons, also concurred and stated that it’s important to contact your local authorities as they have the power to investigate and take enforcement action.
A private claim
Joanna Smykowski claimed that civil remedies are also available. “If the noise is severe and ongoing, you could pursue a private nuisance claim through the courts, seeking an injunction or damages. This is more costly and usually a last resort, but it carries weight where council action has failed.”
All three experts highlighted that in cases like this, you should keep a noise diary, recording times and duration, and submit it to your local council’s environmental health team. “If they agree it qualifies, they can issue a noise abatement notice requiring the owner to control the barking.
Joanna said: “Breaching that notice is a criminal offence and can lead to fines of up to £5,000 for individuals. What people often overlook is how animal welfare law plays into this.
“Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners have a duty to meet their dog’s needs, including proper exercise and stimulation. Excessive barking can signal neglect, and raising this angle with authorities sometimes prompts faster intervention.
However, Benson Varghese said: “What you should never do is retaliate by harming the dog, shouting over the fence, or setting off devices to scare it.
“Those approaches can backfire quickly and even land you in trouble. What you should do is stay calm, gather evidence, and use the proper channels.”
Joanna Smykowski offered an unconventional route. She urged you to offer your neighbour help. Something as simple as suggesting a trusted dog trainer or volunteering to take the dog for a walk now and then can transform the situation from conflict to collaboration.
No matter the route you take, communication is at its core. Joanne Ellis added: “In my experience, these cases often escalate due to a breakdown in communication between neighbours.
“We always advise clients to keep a detailed noise diary and, where possible, try calmly engaging with the dog owner in the first instance. However, if the issue persists, legal remedies such as abatement notices or civil nuisance claims may be necessary.”