Noise Action Week throws the spotlight on Dogs

May 22, 2012 3:03 pm

Dog barking can be one of neighbours’ pet gripes. Now the City of Edinburgh Council’s Noise Team are stepping up efforts to educate both dog owners and those disturbed by dog barking.

During Noise Action Week 2012, Noise Team members will be giving out leaflets informing members of the public on what can cause their dog to bark and how this can be prevented.

The leaflet also provides guidance to members of the public disturbed by dog barking and tells them how they can resolve noise issues through informal and more formal routes.

The Council deals with hundreds of complaints about dog barking a year. In the last financial year nearly 550 enquiries and complaints were received from members of the public.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “Dog barking may seem a small issue but it actually affects hundreds of people across the city. Of course dogs will bark from time to time but excessive or prolonged barking can be annoying for people living or working nearby.

“Approaching the dog owner, initially through informal routes, can often help to resolve the issue. Some people are often not aware of the extent of the problem or are struggling to control their dog’s barking.

“This campaign should help raise awareness of what both dog owners and their neighbours can do if they are affected by this issue. We would encourage anyone seeking help and advice to contact our dedicated Noise Team on 0131 529 3030 or email asknoise@edinburgh.gov.uk.”

Leaflets will be distributed throughout local area offices and libraries as well as being handed out in city centre locations during the week.

This action forms part of Edinburgh’s effort to support Noise Action Week – an annual initiative coordinated byEnvironmental Protection UK, a voluntary organisation supported by pollution control professionals.

Mary Stevens, Noise Action Week Co-ordinator for Environmental Protection UK, said, “We’ve all suffered the effects of thoughtless noise pollution – whether it’s a neighbour’s barking dog or thumping bass, car radios blaring and aggressive driving in residential streets; noise is one of the biggest issues affecting our neighbourhoods, and our well-being, and too much noise can damage our health. During Noise Action Week EPUK is encouraging communities to consider the impacts of noise in their area and the simple ways we can all contribute to making our neighbourhoods quieter and healthier.”