Aggressive and Barking Dogs

Nuisance (barking) dogs

Barking dogs lead to many neighbour disputes each year.

Nuisance behaviour is defined as 'making a noise, by barking or otherwise, that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises’.

We conduct investigations into nuisance dog complaints. To initiate any enforcement action, we require specific and extensive evidence.

Understanding nuisance behaviour
Making a nuisance dog complaint
How nuisance dog complaints are handled


Dangerous and attacking dogs 

If you have been involved or witnessed a dog attack:


A dog attack is defined as a 'dog rushing at, attacking, biting, harassing or chasing any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal'.

Information for dog owners

Dogs are clever and can find ways to escape their yard. To prevent them from becoming lost or involved in a dog attack in a public place, ensure you have secure locked gates and an escape-proof fence that they cannot jump over, get under or break through.

If your dog is alleged to have attacked, read our brochure.

Dangerous dogs
Menacing dogs
Restricted dogs