Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2012
145 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the authority responsible for dealing with loud noise at night caused by dogs which are kept on a private residence in an urban environment; the process one should go through in order to have the problem dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20867/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the first instance contact should be made with the Local Authority regarding loud noise caused by dogs.
If following the intervention of the Local Authority, a solution cannot be reached, a complaint can be made to the District Court about the nuisance caused by excessive barking of a dog. The legislative provisions for this are set out in Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Acts, 1986 and Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. A person making such a complaint to the District Court must first serve notice on the occupier of the premises in which the dog is kept. Forms for this purpose are available from local authorities.
Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and 1992, a hearing can be arranged in the District Court at which the person affected by the noise and the dog owner attend. The District Court can make an order requiring the reduction of excessive barking by a dog, can limit the number of dogs that can be kept on a premises or can direct that a dog be delivered to a dog warden as an unwanted dog.
Local Authorities also have powers to investigate complaints about neighbourhood noise that affects quality of life under Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994.
