Full Text
Phone:527-8700 Fax: 527-8722 1402 River View Drive Cody WY 82414 Barking Dogs Cody Police Department Cody Police Department Cody Police Department 1402 River View Drive Cody WY 82435 (307) 527-8700 Community Service Officers CSO John Verderame CSO Craig Sax ---PAGE BREAK--- Why dogs bark Barking is one of the ways dogs communicate. It can signify anything from playfulness to danger. However, dogs sometimes bark when they are: Chained to a fixed point without enough room to move, or kept in a space which is too small Provoked, deliberately or unintentionally, by people or roaming dogs Under exercised or not exercised at all Untrained Lonely Sick Hungry, thirsty, on the wrong diet or generally neglected Kept in circumstances that are unsuitable for that particular breed Victims of abuse The causes of barking listed above should not be part of a dog’s life. As well as indicating a possibly distressed animal, chronic excessive barking can disturb people living nearby. Caring for dogs Compassion and common sense can eliminate many causes of excessive barking. A well cared for dog will generally not bark unreasonably and disturb neighbors. Dealing with barking dogs The following suggestions should help: Dogs need enough space to move freely in an enclosed backyard. A dog should not be left on a fixed chain for long periods. If a dog has to be chained, they should be on a running chain. Dogs need a place of their own. This can be a ventilated and waterproof kennel or an indoor area. Under section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, a dog must be provided with adequate shelter, that is, a structure that protects them from wind, rain and sunshine. Dogs need regular and adequate exercise according to their breed size. Curing the barking habit If you feel that a dog is well cared for, but continues to bark excessively, there are several things that can be tried: Remove direct line of sight between the dog and children or animals, as looking at other animals or children may provoke barking Take the dog to a recognized animal trainer to discourage bad habits Provide noise insulation for the kennel Take the dog to the vet—it may be sick Obtain a Bark Control Collar from the Community Service Officer Noisy dogs and the law If you are annoyed by the noise from your neighbor’s dog there are several things you can do. Talk to the dog’s owner The dog’s owner may not have realized that their dog is bothering you, and in many cases, will be happy to work with you to solve the problem. Know the law The City of Cody has an ordinance concerning noisy animals. The ordinance is as follows: 5-3-13 Noisy Animals No person shall own or keep any animal which makes continual or repeated barking, screeching, yowling, howling, yelping, neighing, braying, mooing, crowing, quacking, pawing, stamping or other noises in excessive, continuous or untimely fashion that otherwise disturbs the peace of others. Any such noisy animal may be impounded at the discretion of the Community Service Officer or a city Police Officer to prevent further peace disturbance and said Officer can go upon the property or premises where said animal is located to take possession or control of the offending animal. To report a noisy animal, call the Cody Police Department at (307) 527-8700.