What Is Your Interpretation Of The Noise Ordinance Regarding Barking?

[Connubial Warthog]

Of course it would be unreasonable to expect these things. And I'm not expecting the dogs owners to control their barking after 10pm 365 nights a year. But what I'm seeing here is a total disregard of any consideration whatsoever, day and night. I rarely if ever hear a neighbor telling their dog to quiet down. Isn't it "reasonable" to at least expect a dog owner to quiet his dogs in the middle of the night? Is that too much to ask? Because it doesn't happen here in "Kennel Canyon."

I want to make it clear that I am referring to the after 10:00 PM and the dark hours of the early morning barking issue only and that the barking dog, location where, and (the) who the barking dog’s owner is have all been positively identified with reasonable certainty. Otherwise it would be hearsay; he said, she said, etc.

So here I go... ...stepping in it so to speak. ...

[Hotspring 44]

I believe I addressed those questions...

Isn't it "reasonable" to at least expect a dog owner to quiet his dogs in the middle of the night? Is that too much to ask?

...in the post.

I am wondering if you read the first part of my post and reacted to it without reading the whole post or if you somehow misunderstood:...

3- It would be unreasonable for the dog owner to not have enough control of their dog/s to 1- Keep the dog away from their immediate next door neighbors part of the home that would be an invasion of peace with a bark; such as a bedroom window or where a baby sleeps for example, and also in cases where there is no immediate next door neighbor/s, and/or (to) not stop the dog from barking for over 90 seconds at the very longest after 10:00 PM.

It is also unreasonable for the dog owner to have any dog that barks at anything that makes even the slightest noise, anything that moves in the neighborhood, and/or other barking dogs hundreds of yards or even miles away and not have someone that is capable (not a small child with a large dog) to be physically in the yard with the dog, so they can have a reasonable way to successfully prevent or at least stop the barking very quickly at times between the hours of 1:30 AM and ½ hour before sunrise.

... ...?

Of course it would be unreasonable to expect these things. And I'm not expecting the dogs owners to control their barking after 10pm 365 nights a year. But what I'm seeing here is a total disregard of any consideration whatsoever, day and night. I rarely if ever hear a neighbor telling their dog to quiet down. Isn't it "reasonable" to at least expect a dog owner to quiet his dogs in the middle of the night? Is that too much to ask? Because it doesn't happen here in "Kennel Canyon."

When I lived in Gurneville and had joint responsibility and ownership for 6 dogs total (before we were able to place the puppies) I could not tolerate our own dogs barking at things that were not invasive or just barking enough to bother reasonable neighbors. In fact I was just as (sometimes more so) concerned about my yelling at "our dogs": "SHUT-UP THE DOG!", would bother the neighbors more than the barking because I sounded angry and I was loud enough to clearly hear my own echo off of the neighbors wall that was several hundred feet away!

[Connubial Warthog]

The problem here in kennel canyon is underlined by the events of last night. Around 4 in the morning a dog across th canyon began to bark and howl excitedly. It woke me up and I'm sure I wasn't the only one. It went on for hours, at least until dawn. The owners HAD to have been aware of it- I mean how could they not!? Yet nothing was done to silence the dog. I'm not sure which dog it was- it may have been one I haven't noticed before. There are too many to keep track of anymore. And it's tricky identifying where it's coming from when bouncing across the canyon. At any rate, for the 3rd time in less than a week, my sleep was disturbed. I should've gotten up and recorded it but it was too freaking cold. What do do? I'm not sure.

I believe I addressed those questions... ...in the post.

I am wondering if you read the first part of my post and reacted to it without reading the whole post or if you somehow misunderstood:...... ...?

[Hotspring 44]

Re:

The problem here in kennel canyon is underlined by the events of last night. Around 4 in the morning a dog across th canyon began to bark and howl excitedly. It woke me up and I'm sure I wasn't the only one. It went on for hours, at least until dawn. The owners HAD to have been aware of it- I mean how could they not!? Yet nothing was done to silence the dog. I'm not sure which dog it was- it may have been one I haven't noticed before. There are too many to keep track of anymore. And it's tricky identifying where it's coming from when bouncing across the canyon. At any rate, for the 3rd time in less than a week, my sleep was disturbed. I should've gotten up and recorded it but it was too freaking cold. What do do? I'm not sure.

That situation you describe is similar to one a friend of mine had in rural Sonoma County. He was able to tell where the barking dog was located and who owned the dog.
Because of the area (distance between homes) he was able to make a formal complaint with animal control as one person.

Your situation seems to me to be different in that you haven’t been able to identify exactly where the nuisance barking is coming from.
I don’t know what the distances is between homes where you are or the size of subdivided properties but where my friend livs, the lots are 40 or more acres.

You and hopefully at least one neighbor may have to get together and find out where the nuisance barking actually is coming from. That will take some initiation and effort on your part.
I think it is up to you to decide if the effort is worth the time necessary to accomplish mitigating the nuisance. I don’t think anyone said it would be easy... ...it won’t.

What I am saying is that there are ways to eventually put a stop to the public nuisance if you can't get the dog owner to control the barking, howling, etc.
When you have made attempts to solve such issues and were unsuccessful with your attempts, don't give-up, we all (probably you in this case, will) have to go through it one step at a time for it to actually come to the problem being solved.

In any event, if it comes to it, Sonoma County Animal Control has records of who has licensed dogs so you could start there with a generalized written complaint, County Animal Control has people to talk to and I am sure they have a complaint form you can fill if you want to file a formal complaint.

FWIW, if you decide to file a complaint, I think you should fill and file the complaint form with Animal Control even if it says there has to be more than one complainer on it (first ask if there is another form that does not require more than your signature) because you still have to establish yourself. You have to start the process somewhere to get the ball rolling...
...To keep the ball rolling...
...If the outcome with the first few steps in the process ends up being unsatisfactory, you could write a detailed, registered letter to the DA and/or your supervisors if you believe the outcome from that has either shown flaws in the laws or has ignored your lawful right to peace in your home and domicile.

[Connubial Warthog]

thanks, I guess its time to get the ball rolling. Next time I will get up and record it and drive over there to identify the house and number. Pain in the butt but it must be done. thanks for all of your suggestions.

Re:

That situation you describe is similar to one a friend of mine had in rural Sonoma County. He was able to tell where the barking dog was located and who owned the dog.
Because of the area (distance between homes) he was able to make a formal complaint with animal control as one person.

Your situation seems to me to be different in that you haven’t been able to identify exactly where the nuisance barking is coming from.
I don’t know what the distances is between homes where you are or the size of subdivided properties but where my friend livs, the lots are 40 or more acres.

You and hopefully at least one neighbor may have to get together and find out where the nuisance barking actually is coming from. That will take some initiation and effort on your part.
I think it is up to you to decide if the effort is worth the time necessary to accomplish mitigating the nuisance. I don’t think anyone said it would be easy... ...it won’t.

What I am saying is that there are ways to eventually put a stop to the public nuisance if you can't get the dog owner to control the barking, howling, etc.
When you have made attempts to solve such issues and were unsuccessful with your attempts, don't give-up, we all (probably you in this case, will) have to go through it one step at a time for it to actually come to the problem being solved.

In any event, if it comes to it, Sonoma County Animal Control has records of who has licensed dogs so you could start there with a generalized written complaint, County Animal Control has people to talk to and I am sure they have a complaint form you can fill if you want to file a formal complaint.

FWIW, if you decide to file a complaint, I think you should fill and file the complaint form with Animal Control even if it says there has to be more than one complainer on it (first ask if there is another form that does not require more than your signature) because you still have to establish yourself. You have to start the process somewhere to get the ball rolling...
...To keep the ball rolling...
...If the outcome with the first few steps in the process ends up being unsatisfactory, you could write a detailed, registered letter to the DA and/or your supervisors if you believe the outcome from that has either shown flaws in the laws or has ignored your lawful right to peace in your home and domicile.

[Oceans11]

Me I love to hear the coyotes, foxes, wolves, owls and other creatures night and day. I know most people may not agree and many people dont like coyotes, but I do. Those creatures bring me peace. I also know that constant dog barking can be disruptive and annoying and I understand, sympathize with those who suffer the constant annoyance of dog barking, poop and aggressive behaviors.

One more thing, Dixon, I think it is irresponsible to call names when you don't know the facts. That's nice that you are willing to listen to another side but I believe you don't know what's in another person's heart and you should give them (me) the benefit of the doubt. I figured Alexia must have some big pain that would cause her to behave that way. You might notice that I did not start a thread about an angry woman harrassing me for nothing when I was in so much pain already. Maybe she has nothing better to do.

[busterboy]

I have followed this thread on and off. I appreciate people's efforts to try to deal with their particular situation in as rational and as compassionate manner as possible, involving some dog owners whose level of awareness seems to be clearly inferior to that of their animal companions. What I am going to suggest is sure to incur the wrath of those animal lovers who seem to believe that animals are entitled to the same inalienable rights as humans. However, when all else fails...when one is dealing with a truly selfish, irresponsible, ignorant dog owner, I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal. It's a drastic action to be sure, against an essentially "innocent" being, but until a more effective barking ordinance is in place and is enforced in a consistent manner, one must take whatever measures are necessary...as long as we live in a dog-eat-dog world! In the interest of full disclosure, I have zero interest in dogs, preferring the companionship of cats!

[Connubial Warthog]

Well, I can't go there at all. I could never kill an animal like that. As much as I sometimes wish these animals would disappear, I could never condone anything like that. In truth, I find this offensive, but I understand the frustration that could lead people to entertain these thoughts. As for me, I'm looking at all my options within the boundaries of our legal system. I'll keep people apprised of my progress. Now I think I'm leaving this thread.

I have followed this thread on and off. I appreciate people's efforts to try to deal with their particular situation in as rational and as compassionate manner as possible, involving some dog owners whose level of awareness seems to be clearly inferior to that of their animal companions. What I am going to suggest is sure to incur the wrath of those animal lovers who seem to believe that animals are entitled to the same inalienable rights as humans. However, when all else fails...when one is dealing with a truly selfish, irresponsible, ignorant dog owner, I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal. It's a drastic action to be sure, against an essentially "innocent" being, but until a more effective barking ordinance is in place and is enforced in a consistent manner, one must take whatever measures are necessary...as long as we live in a dog-eat-dog world! In the interest of full disclosure, I have zero interest in dogs, preferring the companionship of cats!

[Connubial Warthog]

I love the sound of distant coyotes, owls, foxes etc, but you know, they are generally not heard much around here, partially because of all the dogs. I have no problem with the rare occasions I hear these creatures. It's a treat. It's a completely different thing with dogs-no comparison to the daily grind. And no night creature has ever caused me to lose sleep-except the neighborhood dogs.

Me I love to hear the coyotes, foxes, wolves, owls and other creatures night and day. I know most people may not agree and many people dont like coyotes, but I do. Those creatures bring me peace. I also know that constant dog barking can be disruptive and annoying and I understand, sympathize with those who suffer the constant annoyance of dog barking, poop and aggressive behaviors.

[Hotspring 44]

Note: (woops!)... ...so, I corrected a word error that was a big contextual mistake, (I overlooked the spell checker and pressed the wrong word in it)... ...word changed, from "honorable" to "horrible".

I have known people who are either prejudiced against dogs and love their cats and same against cats and for dogs, some to an extreme.

I have also heard the same (poisoning) said about "offending" cats that pose a health hazard because they sometimes transmit diseases by, as example, ("trespassing") cat/s contaminates a child's sand box or a neighbor's garden (which was a topic on another thread) in neighbors yard by using it for a poo toilet and also the fact that domestic cats, both the feral and cared for ones kill many wild birds:

Cats Kill Over 1 Billion Birds Each Year in U.S.

https://birdchaser.blogspot.com/2008...irds-each.html

I love cats, dogs, and the vast majority of the native spices of wild animals and believe that even the ones I have had nuisance issues with, particularly racoons; even they have a reason to exist and should not be treated abusively or wantonly killed to the point of being either endangered species or to extinction.

Of course I understand you are suggesting one way of dealing with a nuisance-dog/dog-owner situation where there is not an issue of it causing an"extinction" of anything... ...But you did mention, or at least hint that you prefer cats over dogs, so I think it would be reasonable for me to believe you are at least a little biased against dogs in the first place.

Furthermore, would you also suggest that someone who has a problem with cats defecating in their yard, child's sand box, or garden, going into their yard and killing their pet bunny, etc should also, after making attempts to have it's owner be responsible enough to keep their cat out of those places that the cat should be poisoned?...
...I could be wrong, but I am guessing your answer would be a "No" because you indicated a bias for cats and against dogs.

But as far as taking the law, so to speak, into your own hands and poisoning the offending dog, that is over the top and is a horrible and risky thing to suggest to someone:

1- it is most likely a felony, and, if caught, would jeopardize the well being of the person doing the poisoning and potentially their family member/s who depends on that person.
2- What if the dog owner is prone to retaliation?... ...and what if that dog owner retaliates on someone innocent!?...
...That is a possibility if someone else has already complained about the nuisance to the dog owner, the dog's owner could conclude that person who complained did the deed.

Over all,cat or dog, WRONG!... ... BAD IDEA!

However, when all else fails...when one is dealing with a truly selfish, irresponsible, ignorant dog owner, I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal. It's a drastic action to be sure, against an essentially "innocent" being, but until a more effective barking ordinance is in place and is enforced in a consistent manner, one must take whatever measures are necessary...as long as we live in a dog-eat-dog world! In the interest of full disclosure, I have zero interest in dogs, preferring the companionship of cats!

[Barry]

However, when all else fails...when one is dealing with a truly selfish, irresponsible, ignorant dog owner, I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal.

I'm aghast you would truly consider murdering someone's loved pet, let alone posting it publicly. If you post any further heartless thoughts, it will be clear that you are not part of "conscious community".

[Barry]

I don't want to get into a she-said/she-said, or rather your dog is barking - no s/he's not, so I ask that Alexia and Marilyn refrain from posting further on this thread. I hope they can find a resolution that works for them.

Marilyn has informed me that she has unsubscribed from this thread, and Alexia would like to continue to post to it without getting into the specifics of her situation. That's fine by me.

[Dixon]

I would stop short of endorsing poisoning the offending dog(s), mainly because of the issue of punishing the dogs for what is really the dog owner's fault, though if the poison were of a type that kills painlessly I can sure see being tempted to use it in some situations! My most delicious fantasy in such situations is to slip the poisoned meat onto the dog owner's dinner table.

[Dixon]

BTW, on those occasions when someone is driven to the desperate act of killing the dog after the dog owner has refused to correct the problem, I would consider that to be the dog owner's fault. That's where our ire should be mostly directed in such situations.

[Connubial Warthog]

Never a reason to kill an innocent animal, but I can certainly see why someone might entertain such thoughts.
Better to channel them into something regenerative , creative etc.

BTW, on those occasions when someone is driven to the desperate act of killing the dog after the dog owner has refused to correct the problem, I would consider that to be the dog owner's fault. That's where our ire should be mostly directed in such situations.

[peggykarp]

What's significant here is how normally decent folks are driven to such caninecidal thoughts by the barking. I certainly have been! My super-ego is in firm command and I wouldn't ever actually harm an animal, but I sure have thought of it. Incessant barking is really a form of torture to the human nervous system.

[Dixon]

Never a reason to kill an innocent animal...

I guess you're a vegetarian then, Brian?

[Connubial Warthog]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.

I guess you're a vegetarian then, Brian?

[Mary C]

Perhaps this poster is just trying to stir things up with inflammatory comments, but I'll bite because there are people who poison animals because of this kind of fallacious reasoning. Let's take busterboy’s solution one step further to see if it holds up: Should we kill innocent children who are wildly irritating and entitled as a result of their parents' non-existent parenting skills? How about a child in Safeway who knows his parent will eventually give in and buy him the candy he's screaming for, because that parent refuses to learn the basics of child development, employ appropriate boundaries and discipline, or inconvenience him or herself by taking the offending child out of the store? When the child throws a seemingly endless screaming, screeching fit, does busterboy advocate poisoning the kid's Skittles? Come on.

Talking about exterminating living, sentient beings that inconvenience us is a slippery slope. History shows us the result of this dangerous thinking. I do understand how one can be pushed to the brink, though: I too have been driven insane by incessant barking, and have spent many a sleepless night feeling not only irritated, but heartbroken for the abused/neglected animals. I have tried to train dogs through the fence, used barking deterrents, begged animal owners to let me walk their dogs daily, sent anonymous notes, made face-to-face requests for peace, and have prayed for sanity. But murdering animals because of their human companions' shortcomings? That is exactly the same type of ignorant, irresponsible selfishness that busterboy so decries.

Collectively, aren't we better than that? I have to believe so, or I'll poison my own Skittles, for god's sake.

I have followed this thread on and off. I appreciate people's efforts to try to deal with their particular situation in as rational and as compassionate manner as possible, involving some dog owners whose level of awareness seems to be clearly inferior to that of their animal companions. What I am going to suggest is sure to incur the wrath of those animal lovers who seem to believe that animals are entitled to the same inalienable rights as humans. However, when all else fails...when one is dealing with a truly selfish, irresponsible, ignorant dog owner, I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal. It's a drastic action to be sure, against an essentially "innocent" being, but until a more effective barking ordinance is in place and is enforced in a consistent manner, one must take whatever measures are necessary...as long as we live in a dog-eat-dog world! In the interest of full disclosure, I have zero interest in dogs, preferring the companionship of cats!

[Mary C]

Being an irresponsible, passive-aggressive dog owner hardly constitutes the basis for justifiable homicide!

I have to believe that some of these posters are just trying to rile up the good people on this board for their own amusement.

BTW, on those occasions when someone is driven to the desperate act of killing the dog after the dog owner has refused to correct the problem, I would consider that to be the dog owner's fault. That's where our ire should be mostly directed in such situations.

[Oceans11]

THere must be a lot of rage When People are talking about poisoning and killing their neighbor's pets. This rage is understandable. But poisoning the dogs, does Not solve the problem and it will only create more rage and violence. THis causes me to think that this Los Angeles ordinance would solve these dog problems if it were implemented here in sonoma county. With all these folks complaining why dont they all get together and go to the board of supes and city councils and demand such an ordinance here. I love dogs and animals but in sonoma county I have seen a lot of rude, disrespectful behavior with humans and their pets. Also I have seen people encourage their pets to harrass, intimidate and chase wild animals in the parks, or let their pets poop all over the place. It is time for some boundaries and for more effective policies with animal control.

I get tired of hearing people cry on this thread over and over again. I feel like saying stand up for yourself and go out and do something effective with the laws and policies and inept officials, employtees who allow these pet problems to go on and on and on. Demand the board of supes implement an effective ordinace to control barking, pooping and other disrespectful behaviors. Or make sure the animal control has effective policies and committed, motivated employees in place to deal with these problems when they occur.

Los Angeles Gives Bite to Bark Law
By Jon Bastian

The Los Angeles City Council and Mayor have passed a new Ordinance to give the Department of Animal Services authority over nuisance dog complaints, whether the dog is licensed or not. Previously, the Department could only hear such matters if the dog was licensed, which created a Catch-22 situation. As explained by Mitchell Englander, Chair of the City’s Public Safety Committee, “In effect, owners of unlicensed dogs are treated more leniently than owners of licensed dogs. (This) Ordinance allows the Department to… impose conditions and restrictions including issuing an order to remove nuisance dogs.”
The Ordinance also defines for the first time excessive “whining, barking, howling, or similar dog noise.” Under the new law, the noise must be continuously audible for ten minutes, or intermittently audible for thirty minutes within a three hour period. These provisions do not apply to any legally permitted commercial animal establishment, such as a doggie day care. Penalties are $ 250 for the first offense, increasing to $ 1,000 for a third offense.
The law also creates a new Restricted Dog Permit to be issued in the case of a dog biting, attacking, or injuring a person non-fatally due to owner negligence. This Permit, which is $120 in addition to regular license fees, also requires the owner of the dog to post warning signs on their property, and maintain at least $ 100,000 of liability insurance. The new regulations go into effect in early December. You can find text of the Ordinance here.
Are there nuisance barking regulations where you live? If so, how are they handled and what are the penalties? Let us know in the comments.

[Barry]

Good Post. I sent it to Efren's assistant as a suggestion. Some specificity is sorely needed when it comes to what is OK and what is not.

I encourage you all to contact Efren ([email protected]) or your supervisor to suggest they upgrade the ordinance regarding barking.

THere must be a lot of rage When People are talking about poisoning and killing their neighbor's pets. This rage is understandable. But poisoning the dogs, does Not solve the problem and it will only create more rage and violence. THis causes me to think that this Los Angeles ordinance would solve these dog problems if it were implemented here in sonoma county. With all these folks complaining why dont they all get together and go to the board of supes and city councils and demand such an ordinance here. I love dogs and animals but in sonoma county I have seen a lot of rude, disrespectful behavior with humans and their pets. Also I have seen people encourage their pets to harrass, intimidate and chase wild animals in the parks, or let their pets poop all over the place. It is time for some boundaries and for more effective policies with animal control.

I get tired of hearing people cry on this thread over and over again. I feel like saying stand up for yourself and go out and do something effective with the laws and policies and inept officials, employtees who allow these pet problems to go on and on and on. Demand the board of supes implement an effective ordinace to control barking, pooping and other disrespectful behaviors. Or make sure the animal control has effective policies and committed, motivated employees in place to deal with these problems when they occur.

[Dixon]

Dixon wrote:
I guess you're a vegetarian then, Brian?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.

Good, then your position on this is consistent, not hypocritical.

What really blows my mind in discussions of this sort of issue is people who have no problem with killing innocent cows, chickens, fish, etc. (i.e., anyone who's not vegetarian) while howling that it's immoral to kill dogs, cats or other animals considered pets in this particular culture.

[linferro]

you're kidding, right? You'd kill a dog cause it's barking and bothering you? sigh.

I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal.

[Dixon]

I have to believe that some of these posters are just trying to rile up the good people on this board for their own amusement.

No you don't "have to believe" that, Mary; you choose to believe it.

I understand that you have a strong emotional response to this issue; many of us do. Allow me to suggest that jumping to negative, insulting, and (in my case at least) untrue assumptions about people's motivations for saying things you don't agree with is not a constructive response.

[podfish]

What really blows my mind in discussions of this sort of issue is people who have no problem with killing innocent cows, chickens, fish, etc. (i.e., anyone who's not vegetarian) while howling that it's immoral to kill dogs, cats or other animals considered pets in this particular culture.

wow, this has wandered afield, hasn't it?

Everyone's different regarding what blows their mind. This one doesn't surprise me, and shouldn't surprise anyone who's met humans before. We make all kind of wacky distinctions and sort things into what may appear to be arbitrary groupings. You may not find the sorting criteria one that you personally would use, but usually you can at least figure out what it is. There are a whole bunch of differences between cows and dogs... and for most people, dogs make better pets. For many of those on this thread, I'd bet they wish most people preferred cows!

[ceg1948]

you are the kind of person that i keep reading about in the papers and on websites for animals. this is a criminal act that you're considering busterboy. if that's your idea of how to deal with the situation then you need some therapy....seriously.

I would have no qualms about tossing a tasty piece of meat that has been injected with a suitable poison into this person's yard to eliminate the offending animal.

[msl]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’m going to take your suggestion and Barry’s and write to Efren Carillo to see how we can change the existing laws.
I live in the unincorporated area of the County. I can call Animal Control, complain about the dog, and they will send the owner a letter which will inform the owners that a complaint has been made about the dog’s barking. The letter includes the text of the barking dog ordinance and suggestions on how to deal with the problem. That’s all they can do…UNLESS there are two people from separate residences who live in proximity to the dog who are willing to submit a complaint in writing and sign their names to it. After that, the owners are served and the case goes to the DA’s for a judge to rule on. The woman I spoke with couldn’t tell me what happens after that. She couldn’t tell me if there would be a fine or how much the fine would be or anything that might happen. I’ll try to find that out next.
I believe that Animal Control knows how serious the problem is, but they cannot do anything about it because of the above stated ineffectual laws/procedures.

In this neighborhood, and apparently in any number of neighborhoods, one can’t even get the people who are the most affected by this to firmly state that they do not like the barking, and, in fact, they DISLIKE the barking and it annoys them to no end! They don’t want to because they want to remain on good terms with said neighbors. So, there is no way anyone here will consent to sign his or her name(s) to an official complaint! So, the barking will continue. It will never stop. I can’t go out into my front yard to do yard work without the dog angrily barking at me from about 30 or so feet away!
(By the way…this dog is not right next to my bedroom or living room window…it’s clear across the street. Please note: Sound travels and magnifies. The dog sounds as if it’s IN my house. )

To get back to a possible solution: I’m going to send this on to Efren, along with LA’s ordinance, and I suggest that we all do something along those lines which will, hopefully, result in better laws.

THere must be a lot of rage When People are talking about poisoning and killing their neighbor's pets. This rage is understandable. But poisoning the dogs, does Not solve the problem and it will only create more rage and violence. THis causes me to think that this Los Angeles ordinance would solve these dog problems if it were implemented here in sonoma county. With all these folks complaining why dont they all get together and go to the board of supes and city councils and demand such an ordinance here. I love dogs and animals but in sonoma county I have seen a lot of rude, disrespectful behavior with humans and their pets. Also I have seen people encourage their pets to harrass, intimidate and chase wild animals in the parks, or let their pets poop all over the place. It is time for some boundaries and for more effective policies with animal control.

I get tired of hearing people cry on this thread over and over again. I feel like saying stand up for yourself and go out and do something effective with the laws and policies and inept officials, employtees who allow these pet problems to go on and on and on. Demand the board of supes implement an effective ordinace to control barking, pooping and other disrespectful behaviors. Or make sure the animal control has effective policies and committed, motivated employees in place to deal with these problems when they occur.

[Connubial Warthog]

Thanks for your post. It inspires me to take action too and not just sit around and complain. From what I hear, the barking problem has become an issue with many residents in west county. Apparently there are people speaking out. So I'm going to add my voice and see if we can't get a little more action out of Animal Control than just a polite letter to the offending animals owner. It's time to toughen up our noise laws in West County.

And while we're at it, how's about another civilizing regulation- on bright spotlights that ruin the peaceful feel of my canyon at nite? Downward facing fixtures and lower wattage bulbs would fix the light pollution. It's ridiculous:I have one neighbor who is paranoid that coyotes will eat his goats or something- he points two 900 watt halogen bulbs straight into the street 24/7- the light goes right into a neighbors 9-year-old kid's bedroom. We have spoken to him about these lights- he won't remove them. How can this be legal? I've got 'em with no fixtures across the canyon too. Even John McCain recognized this problem and got some legislation on this passed on Arizona. Damn.

You know, west county isn't as rural as it used to be. It's basically the 'burbs with more trees. Things have changed- it's no longer summer homes with a few full timers. It hasnt been like that for decades. It time for our laws need to reflect those changes.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’m going to take your suggestion and Barry’s and write to Efren Carillo to see how we can change the existing laws.

[peggykarp]

I will also write to Efren urging action. A barking ordinance for the out-of-city limits areas is badly needed.