This isn't the actual ordinance, but there's a section of the city's website about pet nuisance violations. You could probably start with a 311 report....
2012-04-30 00:44:22
9
Not bike related: Who can nerd out about city noise/animal control ordinances?
Since a lot of you seem to know the law pretty well, I figured this might be a good place to ask.
I have a neighbor who has had a German Shepherd for about two years. She got him as a puppy, but he has now developed a much more grating adult bark. This dog is put outside every morning and every night (say 7-9am, 7-9pm) and without much exxageration, barks nonstop during this period. Its a German Shepherd, so its loud, and I've lost my patience with it.
They've already been warned in person by a former roommate, but I'd like to be better informed before I lodge any formal complaints.
Anyone know the right bits about the sound ordinance or if this falls under any animal control stuff?
2012-04-30 00:34:39
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=13525
§ 633.09 - HARBORING A NUISANCE;
(b) Any dog, cat or other animal, which by frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping or baying, or in any way or manner disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, or which disturbs or endangers the comfort, repose or health of persons, is hereby declared to be committing a nuisance. No owner or person having custody of the animal shall harbor or permit it to commit a nuisance.
§ 633.10 - SHELTERS.
(a)
Dogs and cats shall be provided access to shelter which protects them against inclement weather, keep them dry and allows them to preserve a normal body temperature.
§ 633.19 - PENALTY AND VIOLATION
Whoever violates any other provision of this Chapter shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100.00), plus costs, if it is a first offense. The penalty shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00), plus costs, for each subsequent offense, and in default thereof, imprisonment not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours.
2012-04-30 00:51:20
Now if that 72 hours of imprisonment was in solitary confinement and outside, subject to the elements, it would be pretty comparable to apparently what the dog's been going through for an extended period of time. Rob, maybe you can try and make friends with the dog? (May be bad advice, don't know if the dog has allergies) but maybe throw him some treats or something?
2012-04-30 00:58:37
I don't know where it might be in writing, but I remember hearing that a dog barking was considered a nuisance at like 5-10 minutes non-stop and like 20-30 minutes intermittently. So your german shepherd certainly qualifies.
poor dog is probably really bored and has extra energy that's not getting used up. a tired dog is a good dog...hope the owner will just take him out for a walk if confronted with having to keep her dog quiet.
2012-04-30 01:17:40
Thing is the dog is actually totally sweet. His name is Chance and he's still a puppy at heart. All I have to do is step out on my back porch and he'll come over and lick my hand, shortly before walking back up on to his porch and barking at a tree for the next two hours.
2012-04-30 01:17:45
Recommended: GentleSpray Citronella Anti-Bark Dog Collar. No shock, just sends a bit of citronella mist when activated. Worked extremely well with my dog when she was a pup.
2012-04-30 14:59:17
When I was living at the waterfront, the 20-30 minute thing was written into my lease. Enough complaints and my options were to either get rid of the dog or vacate the premises (and pay a hefty fee).
It was rough because my dog (who is perfect in almost all ways*) was having separation issues at the time. What was good is that their rule made me face up the problem and as a result he's a much happier dog for it.
---
* How else do you describe that knows the phrase "No cyclist" means "Stay close to me and don't chase the deer like things with wheels."
EDITED to fix seplling erorrs....
2012-04-30 15:59:16
Obviously, Dog pines for you. "Adopt" him one evening, train him to dislike neighbor; should sort out after a few days.
2012-04-30 17:49:19