Barking dogs

Barking is a natural behaviour for dogs. However, excessive barking can become a serious nuisance in residential areas. It’s also the most reported animal behaviour issue in our city.

Under local law, barking is considered a noise nuisance when it:

  • is repetitious or incessant, and
  • unreasonably disrupts or inhibits activities at neighbouring properties.

How to report a barking dog

Speak to the dog’s owners

As a first step, we recommend speaking with the dog’s owner. Often, they may not be aware that their dog is causing a disturbance.

If the dog’s owner is unapproachable or you are not comfortable speaking to them, you can place a letter in their letterbox or send it via mail.

For more information, review the barking dog factsheet. It provides practical advice and steps you can take to address the issue.

Lodge a complaint to Council

If the noise continues and direct communication doesn't resolve the issue, you can lodge a barking dog noise complaint with Council.

You must be willing to participate in the investigation process, and you may be required to testify in court.

Before you can make a report, you will need to download and complete the animal noise nuisance diary. You must record dates, times, and possible triggers for the dog’s barking for a period of 7 days.

Once the diary is complete, you can lodge a complaint online. The diary can be uploaded as an attachment. You will also need to provide:

  • the correct address of where the dog is kept
  • a description of the dog
  • details on how the noise affects you.

Report a barking dog

Anonymous dog barking complaints

Council cannot accept anonymous complaints.

While Council will take steps to keep your identity confidential when speaking with the dog’s owner, enforcement action may depend on the evidence you provide.

If the matter proceeds to court, your identity may become known.

Council’s investigation process

Once reported, a Council Officer will review and assess the barking dog complaint information and noise nuisance diary, and if applicable, Council will conduct an investigation.

A noise net device will need to be placed at your property for 7 days to assist with the investigation.

Tips to stop a dog from barking

Dogs bark for many reasons, including:

  • loneliness
  • boredom
  • separation anxiety
  • attention.

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog does not cause a noise nuisance. To get your dog to stop barking, you must first identify the cause. To do this, you can talk to your neighbours or try recording your dog when you are not at home. If your dog is barking excessively, you can try:

  • filling in gaps and cracks in your fencing to block your dog’s view of passing people and vehicles
  • keeping your dog inside, especially at night, if your dog is triggered by wildlife or wandering cats
  • training your dog to only bark on command, or consulting a professional dog training service
  • providing chew toys or a toy stuffed with treats to help reduce boredom
  • taking your dog for a morning walk, or hiring a dog walker
  • contacting your vet to rule out underlying health issues
  • installing an ultrasonic anti-barking device or fitting an anti-barking collar.

For more information, review the barking dog owner factsheet or City of Moreton Bay's Animal Management Local Law 2023.

Back to top