Public Libraries
Library in Newcastle

Overwhelming promote for Newcastle city revitalization. Barking dogs create more disputes between neighbors than any other issue, and they result in many complaints to Council every year. Council conducts investigations into nuisance (barking) dog complaints. Council requires specific and extensive evidence to earlier to initiating any enforcement action against the owner of a barking dog. Customers will be needed to yield very detailed information including completing an evidence form and noise diary over a 14 day period. Prior to Council commencing any barking dog investigation, Council requires the person(s) affected to have undertaken sure actions including: Be specific tell your neighbor if the dog is barking at certain times or at certain things and donate them an opportunity to right the problem. Upon receipt of a written complaint about a nuisance (barking) dog, Council's Regulatory Services Unit will assess the information provided to determine whether there is adequate evidence to commence an investigation. If Council determines the evidence submitted is not sufficient and does not demonstrate the dog barks to a frequency or length of time where the community is significantly impacted, then no further action will be taken. If there is enough evidence an investigation will commence. A letter will be sent to the dog owner advising a complaint has been received and the owner will be provided with 28 days to rectify the situation. The documents will assist Council determining what action to receive and can be impaired in legal proceedings. Council requires this number of complaints to prevent unsubstantiated, vexatious or pay back complaints, and Council considers multiple complainants and consistent evidence confirms the legitimacy of complaints and the impact felt within the community. Council requires significant evidence to promote and authenticate an allegation and to justify issuing any form of legal process. Insulate the kennel against racket and weather. Council requests that if you do happen to find a dog and wish for Council to pick it up that you have the dog contained, either by leash or in an enclosed space. Council and Police can investigate alleged dog attacks. A dog attack is defined as a 'dog rushing at, attacking, biting, harassing or chasing any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal. A dog is considered uncertain if it has, without provocation: Attacked or killed a person or animal (other than vermin). Council must first present notice to the owner of a dog of their intention to declare the dog to be dangerous. Has, without provocation, attacked a person or animal (other than vermin) but whether out causing pensive injury or death. Responsibilities of owners of menacing dogs. Owners of restricted dogs are obliged to conform with the same responsibilities (set out above) as owners of precarious dogs.