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Barking Dogs: “Do you lose sleep because of a barking dog?” |
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Written by Tawanna Shuford
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Tuesday, 22 May 2007 |
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The Director for Constituent Services will write periodically about common constituent services complaints and issues to help those that may be facing similar problems learn about the resources that are availabe for help and assistance.
Barking Dogs “Do you lose sleep because of a barking dog?”
Have you watched the show “Seinfeld” and the character Elaine tries everything to quiet her neighbor’s dog from barking? That was funny on TV but not when you’re trying to sleep in reality. Here are some of the reasons dogs bark constantly at night, 1) they bark because someone has walked by their owners’ homes, 2) they are in need of human attention, are hungry or need to be taken into their homes at night, or 3) they may be in some other type of distress. If you are ever disturbed repeatedly at night by a barking dog, and need a little enforcement assistance, you may contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 311. Don’t be discouraged if they tell you there is nothing they can do. Actually, the District does have a regulation that addresses this problem. According to Title 24, of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), Chapter 9, “Animal Control”, Section 900.1 the following applies: “No person shall own or keep a dog that, by barking or in any other manner, disturbs the quiet of any neighborhood or any person." This is enforceable by the Metropolitan Police Department and carries fines and penalties for violations. The police will need to actually hear the dog barking in order to approach the owner. Once police hear the dog barking they can approach the owner.
I hope this in formation will help those who find themselves in such a predicament.
Readers have left 2 comments. (1) Untitled
2007-05-24 08:54:58 This is called recreational barking. It is very uncomfortable for people to "confront" their neighbors directly about this issue as a barking dog is often seen as protection for the home when in reality, the presence of the dog is protection. The barking dog is annoying.
I recommend people check out citronella collars or the "shock" collars to train your dog not to bark outside. The shock collar is controversial with some folks, but I have seen it work effectively to recreational barking. (2) Untitled
2007-05-31 17:48:30 I live in Clinton Tennesse. We have neighbors that have 5 adult dogs, and 8 puppies. 13 of those dogs are pit bulls. All these dogs bark at night and keep me awake. I have not slept all night in about 4 months. I am very tired. I work full time, and I also have a 16 year old son and a 2 year old son. Do you have any suggestions of what to do? Our neighbors know that they keep us awake, because we have been outside at 2:30 am yelling. The neighbors are not considerate at all. They don't work, so they can sleep all day. I am fed up. Please Help!!!!!!
Thank you |
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