DOG NOISE COMPLAINT PROCESS
Dog
noise complaints in the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara
County are investigated by the dog noise Animal Control Officer
who specializes in these cases. There is a step by step process for these
complaints. The
first recommendation is to contact the dog owner to advise them
there is a concern about barking.
Often the owner is unaware that the dog is creating a disturbance.
If this is unsuccessful, contact the dog noise officer at Animal
Services for help.
First Complaint
Upon receipt of a complaint, the Animal Services Division of the
Public Health Department issues a written notice to the owner
or person having charge, care or custody of the dog advising of
the noise complaint and requesting immediate abatement of the
excessive noise.
The letter cites the ordinance
and includes recommendations for methods of solving the excessive
noise complaint. Current licensing of the dog is also verified.
The complainant is also mailed a letter indicating that the dog
owner has been contacted.
Complaints to the Animal Services
Division require the address where the dog noise nuisance exists
and shall include the name, address and phone number of the complainant.
Second Complaint
Upon receipt of a second complaint (within 60 days of the first
complaint) the barking dog officer will respond and attempt to
make contact with the owner.
The officer will investigate the
nature of the dog noise nuisance and offer recommendations to
the dog owner. These suggestions may include a variety of options
as developed by the Animal Services Division. Common suggestions
include:
Third and Subsequent
Complaints
If complaints about the dog noise nuisance persist, a petition
will be sent to the complainant. A minimum of two parties must
sign the petition and be willing to testify.
Upon receipt of the petition, the
Animal Services Division will investigate the complaint. The neighborhood
will be canvassed to gather information and determine the reasonableness
of the complaint. Prior to submitting a case to the District Attorney,
the complainant and the dog owner are to be given every opportunity
to solve their own problems through mediation and intervention
by the dog noise officer.
If, in the determination of the
Animal Services Division, there exists probable cause that a violation
exists, the case will be submitted to the District Attorney for
prosecution.
To view the County of Santa Barbara
Dog Noise Ordinance, click
here.
For more
information or to file a complaint:
Contact Your Local Animal Shelter
Santa Barbara Shelter
Hours: M-F: 9am to 4:45pm
Phone:
(805) 681-5285
Lompoc Shelter
Hours: M-F: 9am to 12:30pm/1:30pm to 4:45pm
Phone: (805) 737-7755
Santa Maria Shelter
Hours: M-F: 9am to 4:45pm
Phone: (805) 934-6119
