Living in a pet-friendly neighborhood is great—that is, until your neighbor's dog starts barking. In the state of Nevada, laws about barking dogs can help you restore the peace in your neighborhood.
Step 1
Talk to your neighbor before taking the legal route to deal with a barking dog. Find a calm and polite way to broach the issue with your neighbor—leaving a phone call or answering machine message may be easier than approaching your neighbor while their dog is barking. Tell your neighbor when, and how often, his dog is barking—explain that the barking is negatively affecting you. If the dog is barking while the owner is out at work, for example, the owner may be unaware of the problem.
Step 2
Document any continued excessive barking. Note down the dates, times and approximate duration of each barking episode. Write down your neighbor's full home address where the barking dog is kept.
Step 3
Report continued, excessive barking to your local Animal Control authorities. In Las Vegas, for example, Animal Control will send a letter to the dog's owner regarding the problematic barking. If the issue is not resolved, you can make a second complaint to Animal Control and an officer will make a visit to the dog owner's home. In Las Vegas, a third complaint within a six-month period will result in a mediation case with Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center. Other counties and jurisdictions within Nevada have slightly different procedures regarding barking dog complaints.
Step 4
Prepare a written statement with details of the problematic barking. Include your documented details of the dates, time and duration of excessive barking episodes. If mediation fails, you will need to find at least one other person in your neighborhood to corroborate your statement and complaint. In Las Vegas, you may be called to court to testify regarding your written statement.
References
Tips
- If the problematic barking is coming from your dog, enact changes to reduce barking behavior. Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and a stimulating environment at home. If you can't be at home with the dog during the day, consider using a daycare or dog-walking service so your dog is not alone throughout the day.
Writer Bio
Jae Allen has been a writer since 1999, with articles published in "The Hub," "Innocent Words" and "Rhythm." She has worked as a medical writer, paralegal, veterinary assistant, stage manager, session musician, ghostwriter and university professor. Allen specializes in travel, health/fitness, animals and other topics.