Politics & Government

Remedies Exist to Stop That Local Barking Dog

Philadelphia animal control outlines process to deal with nuisance pets.

Chestnut Hill attracts many dog owners to their residential neighborhoods. While that breeds many lovable homes for Fido, it also creates angst for some neighbors.

Barking dogs exist as an audible problem for residents living in close proximity to each other.

On the forum EveryBlock.com, user Charlie W recently shared his hard luck tale:

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"I have a neighbor that lets her dogs outside in the backyard for hours, and they are barking the ENTIRE time nonstop. I can't understand how she can be so ignorant to the rest of us."

Reader Elisa DiGiacomo wrote on the Roxborough-Manayunk Patch Facebook page, saying:

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"I just posted about this the other day. After 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. is absolutely ridiculous to have to hear barking dogs."

These stories reflect the sentiment other users have expressed. But is there a fair way to deal with that dog who won't cease barking?

Philly Animal Control Weighs In

Tara Schernecke is a client services director for the Philadelphia Animal Control and Care Team, which handles complaints like this for the city. She said city code states that dogs can't make more than five expression of noise—barking, howling—for longer than a five-minute span.

She advises people to employ this solution.

"If it's animal nuisance, it's good to go through animal control, and hopefully, after one visit, it's remedied," she said. "Often, residents don't even realize it's happening."

Her group, ACCT, responds to animal nuisance complaints just like 311 or Licenses and Inspections do for citizen or property issues. If a resident filed a 311 complaint about a barking dog, it would get directed to the ACCT office.

When a complaint is lodged, Schernecke said an ACCT officer goes on-site to investigate. If they witness a violation, he or she will issue a citation, which involves a fine.

Some residents have complained that even after they talk to a neighbor about a barking dog, the problem persists. When asked about followups, Schernecke emphasized using the city's animal control system.

"If they receive three citations, they are subject to an administrative hearing," she said. Although she's never seen that result in the loss of a pet, it is up to a judge's discretion.

With many rental properties in Roxborough and Manayunk, who is at fault can be up in the air. Schernecke said, ultimately, it's the property owner's responsibility. However, if the dog owner is home when the ticket is written, it will go to them, instead.

"A lot of times, they reach out to a landlord to let them know that the property is in violation. That can stop (the barking)," she said. 

Citizens may reach out to ACCT through its website or by leaving a message on its tip line (267-385-3800). People can reach out anonymously or by providing contact information. She advised the latter, and their agency can work better with you. Either way, the person behind the complaint is never revealed to the property owner.

Education

A large part of the process, Schernecke said, is alerting pet owners that their dog is a nuisance and educating them on how to correct the habit.

Many noise complaints happen during the day, when owners are away. For that circumstance, Schernecke recommends purchasing pet toys.

"There's different things you can buy at pet reail stores," she said. Devices like the  or even tubes trap treats and take a while for dogs to figure them out.

"Leaving the TV or radio on is a good tip, too. It's the silence that hurts," she said.

In her home, she sets the tuner to sports radio, because it makes the dog think her husband is home.

"The idea is to make them more comfortable when they are by themselves."

If the matter is more serious, and the dogs are subject to neglect or abuse, residents should contact the Pennsylvania SPCA office.

For more information, visit the ACCT website here.


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