Ask Laz: Woof! What to do if a neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking
You know the problem: A barking dog that keeps you up half the night, or that won’t shut up during the day.
Lynda’s been dealing with such a hound for months. She says there’s a “crazily barking dog” behind her North Hollywood house, and she can’t get anyone to do anything about it.
She says she’s spoken with the owner. She’s contacted Los Angeles Animal Services. She’s called the police.
ASK LAZ: Smart answers to consumer questions
Nothing. Except the ongoing woof-woof-woofing.
Lynda asks: What can I do?
First of all, here’s what the City of L.A. has to say on the matter:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any dog or dogs under his or her charge, care, custody or control to emit any excessive noise after the department has issued a written notice advising the owner or custodian of the alleged noise.”
‘Excessive noise” is defined as “noise which is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of one or more persons occupying property in the community or neighborhood, within reasonable proximity to the property where the dog or dogs are kept.”
That’s Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code talking.
Complaints are supposed to be submitted through your nearest animal shelter. There’s a lengthy process that follows that’s intended to remedy the situation.
If that doesn’t work, I’d go back to the owner and ask (politely) one last time for some assistance on the peace-and-quiet front. If that doesn’t work, your next stop is a lawyer’s office.
If you have a consumer question, email me at asklaz@latimes.com or contact me via Twitter @Davidlaz.
