Dog howling next door

[EarthMotherImNot]

Every time the neighbours go out their dog howls and howls for hours. It's driving me mad
They go out most days, I don't know if they work because it's not always at the same time.

They are difficult people anyway ie police were there for over an hour late last night because they were fighting, so I don't think it's worth speaking to them again about this as I've done numerous times before.

I don't think it's illegal to leave a dog alone but if this causes the animal so much distress there must be someone I can talk to about it.

I think I would call or email the RSPCA and have a chat. Although it's not illegal to leave a dog alone, I'm pretty sure that anything you do that causes distress to an animal can get the attention of the RSPCA.

I have had cause to call them in the past and they were lovely - very friendly and took my concerns seriously.

It's not illegal to leave a dog alone as described in the OP and the RSPCA won't concern themselves over a dog howling at all. The correct people to contact are the environmental health department of your local council.

The problem is considered a noise nuisance and not a welfare issue. A decent dog warden will visit the owners to provide advice/warnings etc.

Thank you. I did ring the RSPCA eventually as the noise was heart-rending The lady told me that environmental health were the people who could deal with this in the absence of evidence of actual mistreatment of the dog.

I will contact them on Monday first thing.