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Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
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Dogs: Nuisance and Noise
Dogs can be a nuisance to neighbours and cause unnecessary noise by excessive barking. We can take action and advise owners on correct handling of their pet.
Barking comes naturally to dogs, but the constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for the neighbours. Often the problem occurs when the dog’s owner is out of the house and so isn't aware of it until someone complains.
In law, a barking dog can be a nuisance and the owner can be taken to court if they do nothing to stop the nuisance. However, in the first instance, our wardens may be able to resolve a problem by offering helpful advice.
People are allowed to keep animals as long as they do not cause a nuisance or a health hazard to other people and premises around them. Legislation exists to prevent this from happening.
Such things as noise, smells or waste caused by keeping animals could be a problem and if reported, will be investigated.
Our Animal Wardens collect stray dogs, promoting responsible dog ownership, enforcing byelaws relating to dogs, including fouling, dealing with dangerous dogs and with nuisances.
To deal with noise and nuisance incidents they require details the owner's address and times when the animal(s) are barking. If required, a letter will be sent to the owner.
They may also send you an information sheet to list the times the animal is barking. It may be that the dog is only barking whilst the owner is out.
In this instance we may be able to resolve the matter with the owner by offering helpful advice or referral to a pet behaviourist.
Dangerous dogs
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 created controlled breeds of dog. These are the Pit Bull Terrier type, Dogo Argentina, Fila Brazilliera and the Japanese Toza. Only the Pit Bull Terrier is currently known to be in the country.
There is no official breed standard for a Pit Bull terrier, so if a dog fits the description issued by the Home Office, it is classed as a Pit Bull. Cases of dispute will be determined by the Animal Wardens or the Courts.
These breeds need to be specially registered and have control measures in place. If a dog is of this type and is not registered, it may be seized by us.
The Court will decide whether to allow registration of the dog, whether a penalty will be imposed or if the dog should be destroyed.
Other dogs can also become controlled if they pose any kind of threat to people.
If your dog has tendencies towards aggression, it could be reported for frightening a person. This may result in it being classified as a dangerous dog and have measures put in place to control it by the Courts.
Worse still, if it actually attacks someone, it could end up being destroyed.
Dog incidents
If a dog attacks another dog please our Animal Wardens can deal with the incident. Take the date, time, location and details of the dog owner if known.
If the dog requires Veterinary treatment please keep a copy of the invoice and a photograph of any injuries if possible.
The Wardens will investigate the complaint and take witness statements. Suitable ways of resolving the complaint will be discussed.
It could include a Formal Written Agreement with the offending dog owner to keep their dog under control or prosecution.
If a dog attacks a person on public property, contact the Police immediately. If attacked on private property report the incident to our Animal Wardens.
Include date, time, location and details of the dog owner if known. They will investigate the complaint, take witness statements and discuss suitable ways of resolving the complaint, dependent on the nature of the attack and extent of injuries.
Dogs in gardens who jump up at the fence and bark as people pass would not normally be considered to be dangerous.
