| |
(Ordinance 28079) 7.40.010 Public Nuisance |
A. |
No owner/guardian or person with a right to control the animal may allow the animal to commit any of the following acts: |
| |
4. |
Habitually disturb the peace and quietude of any neighborhood or person, by howling, barking, crying, baying, or making any other noise. |
There are many things people can do to stop their dogs from barking and disturbing the neighbors. The very first thing that needs to happen,however, is they must be told about the problem. The best way to do this is to calmly talk to your neighbor and let them know about the problem. Give them a chance to correct the situation. An easy solution is for them to keep the dog inside the house. This way the dog is not so isolated and less likely to resond to birds, squirrels and people walking by. There are many resources out there to help people with their pet behavior problems including books, obedience classes and professional dog trainers. If you are unsuccessful in working the problem out with your neighbor you can call Animal Care & Services to help you.
|
|
Start by calling (408) 578-PAWS to report the problem. Make sure you have the dog owner's address. ACS will notify the owner by mail that there is an official complaint and they are mandated by law to correct the problem. Your name will remain anonymous unless it becomes necessary to bring the owner to an administrative hearing due to a lack of resolution. |
|
|
In order for ACS to resolve this issue for you we need your participation. You will need to have the cooperation of at least one other neighbor to chronicle dates and times that the dog is barking and disturbing the peace. This is called a Barking Log and you can download the form in Microsoft Word format or PDF format. There is an example of the type of information we need on page 1, and a blank log on page 2 that you may make copies of if necessary. You will also need to download and complete the Nuisance Petition.(Note: you must contact Animal Services to have a case No. assigned before starting this process). |
|
|
If you would like to download a Rebuttal Form to a complaint that has already been filed against you, click here. |
|
|
