To think I have no choice but to report the neighbours?

[Carlie97]

They have three dogs, one of which barks throughout the day without a break of more than half an hour. It's especially barky in the morning, but can go on anything to 11pm at night. Their reaction to it barking is to shout at it to shut up or to ignore it, both of which prolong the barking.

I've been off for a week and the barking is really getting to me. I have pets of my own and realised that the barking must get to them too. I do work from home sometimes too and the barking interrupts my working day, including meetings etc.

The neighbours are aware of how the barking affects me but still haven't taken effective measures to stop it. I must admit to have shouted through the walls a few times in sheer frustration. It feels like I live with them most of the time because when the dogs not barking, they argue and shout at each other. This is usually evening around 11pm or later. I'm certain that they can make the dog be quiet because when I've shouted previously (not something I am proud of but I was in an important work meeting and trying to present) I've not heard another peep all day.

I spoke to the council recently and they said I may have a case. The next steps would be for the council to send a letter to the neighbours and then if the noise continued, to install noise recording equipment. In the interests of good neighbour relations, I don't want to go to the council, but feel I have no choice.

I'm off at the moment on annual leave and cannot enjoy my break. I had grand plans to go out and do things but I've felt quite depressed and I think the noise is the reason why.

I'm still hesitant but feel it's the only way to some sort of resolution.

Again, what 'resolution' do you expect? Are the council prepared to seize the barking dogs?

I am sick to death about how much of a stranglehold dogs and their shit owners have on society.

From the barking torment OP is suffering to people being afraid to use their own gardens due to XL bullies next door, to the bloody things being allowed in cafes, to their shit left everywhere.

Something has gone very wrong where people's lives are being so negatively affected by someone else's choice to often incompetently and badly own a fucking dog.

It makes me rage. A dog continuously barking is mental torture. Anyone who dismisses this is an absolute dick.

YANBU op. You have my absolute sympathy. I would be reporting to LL first.

I do wonder if a slightly more assertive approach is needed to problem dogs and owners by 'The Authorities'

In particular ir means putting problem animals down I am afraid and not allowing owners to have another.

I suggest that when dog owners realise that if their little fur baby Satan is allowed to cause a nuisance or attack someone its a one way ticket to the vet that might make them take a boy more responsibility

yes I'm starting to agree with you since lockdown. I genuinely like dogs (was a vet nurse pre kids) but I was at Kew Gardens yesterday and it was so lovely that there were no dogs (only service dogs of which I saw none). It was so lovely and peaceful and made a change. They are just everywhere now and many are off-lead and badly trained.

I am in no way a dog hater, my insta reels would say so.

But, they are animals and cannot take president over human rights and comfort.

There are simply too many of them around, and often in the hands of assholes.

It is out of control. No doubt about it. People are either fearing dogs, or suffering them in some way. It can in no way, be right for any society.

OP just get it reported, get the recording equipment in and get it all going.

Keep the log you've started going in the meantime.

They've been told already and nothing has changed.

If the owners are like my mum they've just got used to it. How I do not know but my mum's dog is VERY barky and loud and it doesn't seem to bother her anywhere near how it bothers everyone else. Id cry if I were her neighbour!

Do you have a ring doorbell? If you don't, get one. That way you can see who is at the door before you answer if you are concerned about their relatives coming knocking and not answer.

You have my sympathy. We had the same for 7 years with the neighbours dogs. Barking from 6.30am until 11pm non stop. We did the whole recording thing and had the support of the environmental health dept but ultimately it forced us to move house

Do they bark for a prolonged period or just a small burst ?