Barking dogs are the number one complaint received by Animals Services agencies around the country. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, but some bark out of boredom or due to lack of attention. Many owners may not know that allowing their dog to bark incessantly is against the law.
Lodi Municipal Code 6.12.110 Animal Noise
No person shall keep or permit to remain in any premises within the city any animal which continuously and incessantly produces noise at any time during the day or night to the disturbance of any other person. “Continuous and incessant noise” means producing noise for an aggregate period of ten minutes or more duration during any one-hour period which disturbs the peace of another person, including barking, howling, crying, baying, squealing or making any other noise, provided that at the time of the complaint, no person or persons were trespassing or threatening to trespass upon the private property of the owner or person in custody or control of the animal, or the animal was not being teased or provoked in any manner. (Ordinance 1608 Section 1 (part), 1995)
Talking With Your Neighbor
There are many things people can do to stop their dogs from barking and disturbing the neighbors. The very first thing that needs to happen is that they must be told about the problem. The best way to do this is to calmly talk to your neighbor and let them know about the problem. Give them a chance to correct the situation.
An easy solution is for them to keep the dog inside the house. This way the dog is not as isolated and is less likely to respond to birds, squirrels, cats, and people walking by.
There are many resources to help people with their pet behavior problems including books, obedience classes, and professional dog trainers.
Getting Animal Services Involved
If you are unsuccessful in working the problem out with your neighbor, you may call Animal Services to assist you. Begin by calling the Animal Shelter at 209-333-6741 to report the problem. Make sure you have the dog owner's correct address.
The Animal Shelter staff will notify the owner by mail that there is an official complaint and they are mandated by law to correct the problem. Your name will remain anonymous unless it becomes necessary to issue a citation to the animal owner due to a lack of resolution.
Keeping a Barking Dog Log
In order for us to resolve the issue, we must have your participation. You will need to chronicle dates and times that the dog is barking and disturbing the peace. Be sure to keep an accurate log and contact the Animal Shelter when you have completed the log. Download a barking dog log (PDF).
Issuing a Citation & Appearing in Court
Once the log is completed, contact the Animal Shelter. An Animal Services Officer will review the information on the log to verify that there is a violation. The citizen completing the log must sign the citation certifying that they have witnessed the violation. The Animal Services Officer will issue the citation to the dog owner and a court date will be set. All parties will be required to appear in court to seek resolution.