I just moved into my new home and my neighbor's dog barks all the time. What can I do?
I would suggest that you get up the nerve to go talk to your neighbor about the barking . Talking to your neighbor is the fastest and most effective way to resolve the problem. If you just can't do it, leave an extremely polite note on the door with your name and number to discuss the problem.
If you want to be really proactive, visit some websites and print up some material about stopping nuisance barking (most dogs bark because they are lonely and bored!) to give to your neighbor. Give it some time; things can't change overnight. Talk to your other neighbors to see if they have a problem with the dog barking.
If your neighbor is unreceptive, then don't hesitate to call animal control or your police department. It is unlawful to allow a barking dog to exist in the City.
The McKamey Animal Center is responsible for enforcing animal services ordinances for the City of Chattanooga.
ARTICLE IV. BARKING DOGS, SEC. 7-38. DEFINITION.
As used in this Article "barking dog" means any dog which, by causing frequent or long, continued noise, disturbs the comfort or repose of any person in a residence, hotel, motel or hospital or creates any other noise that a reasonable person would find distressing or disruptive, regardless of whether the dog is physically situated in or upon private property. Such extended period of time shall consist of incessant barking for fifteen (15) minutes or more in any twenty-four (24) hour period, or intermittent barking for thirty (30) minutes or more during any twenty-four (24) hour period. A dog shall not be deemed a "barking dog" for purposes of this Chapter if, at any time the dog is barking, a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property in or upon which the dog is situated, or when the dog is being teased or provoked or is responding to an emergency. (Ord. No. 12343, 1-26-10)
You can find the Chattanooga Animal Ordinances on their website at www.mckameyanimalcenter.org.