Barking dogs

Maturin75

My neighbours own three dogs, which are left outside most of the time and are constantly barking. We've tried talking with the neighbours but they're hardly ever at home and have done nothing to sort out the problem. It's gotten to the point where we can't even go out in our own garden because we know the dogs will start barking. Are there any legal avenues open to us to resolve this problem, and how likely would we be to succeed?
Thank you!

cup of tea

Noise disturbance may be treated as a nuisance under tort law if it causes unlawful interference with a person’s use or enjoyment of their land, or of some right over, or in connection with such land. The legal remedies for noise nuisance under tort law are generally damages and, in some cases, injunctions - court orders requiring a noise nuisance to stop or to prevent it from continuing or recurring.
I assume from the OP that you have contacted the neighbours re: the barking.I would sent a dated letter to them informing them of the nuisance the barking is causes interfering with your daily life and enjoyment of your property. If it persist I would contact your local county council informing them a letter has been sent to neighbours as well as an oral meeting with them (obviously keep a copy of the letter).
Obviously there has to be a bit of give and take and what could be constituted as a nuisance. During the day a barking dog may not impact too much on your enjoyment of the property. Wheras barking at 3am would be a different story.
*strictly not intended to be legal advice, more of a personal opinion. If it has infringed on the charter feel free to remove Mods.

445279.ie

You can take your neighbours to the District Court for this.

Contact your local office and they'll help you.

Joekers

Just out of interest are you living in dublin ?

Maturin75

Thanks very much for the help guys, it's very useful as we're trying to figure out our options. Yes Joekers, we are living in Dublin.

mcgarrett

If you feel the District Court is your only option then you need to start keeping a record of times and dates etc.. of barking.

Freddie59

mcgarrett wrote: »

If you feel the District Court is your only option then you need to start keeping a record of times and dates etc.. of barking.

PM sent.

mcgarrett

not received

Dylan123

Making a complaint:
You should approach the person or business causing the noise and explain that it is a nuisance and try to come to a mutually acceptable solution. If this does not work, your local authority has the same power as individuals to bring noise complaints to the District Court. In addition, local authorities have similar powers to the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to premises, processes and works other than those that require licensing under the Environmental Protection Agency Act. The Environmental Protection Agency can require the person or body to take specific measures to prevent or limit noise. Anyone required to take such specific measures by the Environmental Protection Agency must do so or face prosecution.

Or:
You can buy from certain pet shops a hight pitched frequency noise which is not audible to the human ear but it is apparently to a dogs - and play it all day long.
"Remote, Sound-Emitting Anti-Barking Devices."

http://www.epinions.com/review/Viatek_BC16G_Super_Bark_StopUltrasonic_Barking_Dog_Control_Trainer/content_473827413636

Or else shoot it but i would get legal advise before doing that.