Please see a summary of the Sorell Council process regarding barking dogs. If you would like any assistance in navigating this process or speaking to your neighbours, please contact us via email [email protected]
Council encourages residents as a first step to either approach the neighbour or fill out a “dear neighbour” barking form which is available from Council chambers or can be downloaded here (in case you have not already). This form can be left in the dog owner's letterbox anonymously or with contact details.
You can also contact the Council to register an official complaint. I have provided the steps for this process below. The Council staff are very friendly and helpful. If you are not getting any traction please email me on ([email protected]) or call me on 0431 123 486 and I will follow up for you. Council receives many requests and sometimes it can take a while to respond. You can also visit Council’s website for more information here: https://www.sorell.tas.gov.au/animal-management/
We are also investigating other ways that we as a community can work together to reduce this issue. I will keep you updated.
Council Dog Barking Complaint Process Summary
As per Councils Dog Management Plan, they require all barking complaints to be sent in writing to Council. This can be done via email [email protected] or you can write a letter and drop it off to Council chambers, 47 Cole Street, Sorell.
Council will then conduct a preliminary type of investigation and recommend methods for the dog owner to adopt to help minimise the barking.
If unsuccessful, Council will require a formal complaint to be lodged with Council, accompanied with a fee which is a condition under the Dog Control Act 2000.
Upon receipt of this complaint, Council will conduct a thorough investigation into the barking and if the complaint has substance, the fee will be reimbursed to the complainant and action will be taken against the dog owner which may include fines, abatement notices or prosecution.
For serious barking complaints to be pursued the witness must be prepared to attend court to provide evidence if required.
Prior to this, Council encourages the complainant to either approach the neighbour or fill out a “dear neighbour” barking form mentioned above.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or require assistance in navigating this process
