Local dog owners are being urged to ensure their dogs' barking is not becoming a nuisance to others.

Over the past four months, Wairoa District Council’s dog control officers have received 18 dog barking complaints, with an increase in call-outs of dogs barking late at night and early in the morning.

When Council receives a dog barking complaint, staff try to visit the property as soon as possible to assess the barking while it is still occurring.

Of the 18 calls within the last 4 months, 12 calls were found to have barking dogs, and 17 properties were attended.

When Council receives a barking complaint, staff will investigate by monitoring the property and assessing whether the barking is excessive. If it is determined to be excessive, the dog owner will be issued a Notice to Control Dogs (Barking Dogs) under Section 55 of the Dog Control Act 1996. The owner then has seven days to abate the issue. If the problem is not addressed within that time, the dog may be removed from the property in accordance with Section 56 of the Dog Control Act 1996. Failure to comply with a barking dog abatement notice may also result in a $200 infringement.

Council acknowledges that barking is a normal and healthy form of communication for a domestic dog. However, if the barking is excessive and isn't responded to, it can become a nuisance through persistent and loud barking or howling.

Barking and howling can come from boredom or a desire for attention. Barking may also signal that an intruder is nearby or result from excitement during play, but a dog usually barks only when there is a reason.

For tips on how to prevent nuisance barking please head to: https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/assets/Document-Library/Animal-Control/Barking-Dogs.pdf

6 November 2025

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