Dog Control Act 1996, s 54; Dog Control Act 1996, s 55
If a neighbour’s dog is causing a nuisance by persistent and loud barking or howling, you can complain to the dog control section of their local council.
A dog control officer or dog ranger can:
go on to the neighbour’s property at any reasonable time to inspect the conditions under which the dog is kept, and
whether or not they do an inspection, give the neighbour a written notice requiring them to stop the dog causing a nuisance and, if necessary, to remove the dog from the property.
Most councils will only serve a notice if they have received more than one complaint.
The neighbour has the right to object to the notice to the local council within seven days. The local council will decide whether to confirm, change or cancel the notice. If the neighbour does object, the views of the person who complained can be heard.
Unless the notice is cancelled, it is an offence not to comply with the notice. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,500. The dog control officer or ranger may also remove the dog.