Personally yes, we are dog owners but we are with them most of the time and live in the country so very few people could hear if they barked.
However a barking dog in a built-up area is selfish and unfair and I personally think people should have to obtain a license to own a dog, and also the area should be suitable for a dog to live.
Also, people who allow their dogs to bark and cause a nuisance should be fined, and fines should increase the more they do it until the animals are removed.
Dogs are not a pet you can neglect, they love attention and company. but below is some interesting information, and then the article.
Please contact Conwy Council here...https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Environmental-problems/Dog-Issues/Barking-Dogs.aspx
It is accepted and natural that dogs bark, and it is not illegal for a dog to bark, but they are not allowed to cause a nuisance. A barking dog could be a ‘statutory noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
There is no set definition of a ‘statutory nuisance’ but previous cases have defined this as ‘material interference with the comfort and enjoyment of another’s home.’ Therefore, in practice, the barking would need to be, for example, for prolonged periods, frequent excessive barking, and/or barking at unreasonable hours.
Before any action can be taken it must be shown that the noise is prejudicial to health and /or is causing an unreasonable and persistent disturbance to lifestyle.
If a complaint is made to the Council, they have a duty to investigate. If the council is satisfied that the barking is causing a statutory nuisance, they can serve a Noise Abatement Notice, which gives around 21 days in which to resolve the problem.
The recipient also has 21 days to appeal the Notice. If no action is taken to improve the situation a person could be taken to court. If convicted in Magistrates Court this could result in a fine, and further fines for each day until they fail to comply.
An individual can also take their own action under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Barking...
GWYNEDD residents are increasingly being sent “barking mad” by the incessant noise of dogs – and the issue could have an impact on the region’s house sales.
According to recent data, the yapping, whining, and howling of our four-legged furry friends has seen the number of complaints to Gwynedd Council spiral.
There were 76 official complaints received by the local authority between August 2019 and July 2020 – but 135 were reported over the past 12 months up to July 2022, Gwynedd Council has confirmed.
The 78 percent rise is believed to be due to the number of people who took on dogs during the Covid pandemic with some pets now being left alone for long.
It is estimated around five million UK households welcomed dogs as companions or for exercise during the lockdowns.
Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home believes the problem of dog noise is only likely to get worse.
A survey commissioned by the property firm showed that 46 percent of people in Wales were involved in a dispute with a neighbor over the noise.
Seven percent claimed loud pets were a contributing factor to selling their homes.
“There is the potential for barking dogs to scupper a sale and leave people’s hopes of buying their dream property in tatters,” Mr. Fisher said.
“Getting your house ready for a sale is stressful enough.
“But while the inside might be spotless, we know from our customers that what’s outside can also have a huge impact on potential buyers.”
The company sought Freedom of Information requests from local authorities nationwide.
Mr. Fisher added: “The increase in incidents in Gwynedd over a relatively short period is staggering.
“[The] wider picture is that around a third of all noise complaints are due to canine noise.”
While a dog barking isn’t illegal it can constitute a “statutory nuisance”.
Councils can serve a noise abatement notice through the courts via the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if they believe the barking to be a “material interference with the comfort and enjoyment of another’s home”.
There is a potential for fines of up to £1,000 if no action is taken.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Gwynedd Council has seen an increase recently in the number of complaints received regarding dog barking, with 76 official complaints received between August 2019 and July 2020 and 135 official complaints received over the past 12 months up to July this year.
“A possible reason for this may be due to an increase in dog ownership during the lockdown periods and the subsequent return of many owners to the workplace with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
“As a result, dogs are left for long periods on their own during the day.
“Although there isn’t definitive evidence that this is the cause of the recent increases in the number of dog barking complaints, it can strongly be suggested it is a factor.
“As a council, we encourage dog owners to make sure that they go out with their dogs every day to ensure pets get enough exercise.
“This can help the situation, regarding the issue of barking dogs.”
Animal charity the RSPCA says on its website, that some dogs left alone experience “separation anxiety” which may present as barking.
Dogs also bark to express how they’re feeling, including “when they’re excited, frustrated, bored or scared,” the charity says.
They added: “If a dog feels threatened they may bark to tell somebody to stay away or leave.
“Dogs may bark because they want something in particular, such as their favorite toy or when they’re in distress.”
Health issues can also prompt the behavior including deafness.
The charity points to giving dogs plenty of exercise, establishing good feeding and exercise routines, and providing company.
Understanding why a dog is barking is key and owners struggling with the problem are encouraged to seek help from vets or behavior specialists.
Anyone concerned about a barking dog issue should try and speak to the owner, but if that is not possible contact the council.
If there is a welfare issue they can also contact the RSPCA.
For more advice or on reporting welfare issues, see the Gwynedd Council and RSPCA webpages:
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