ANIMAL COMPLAINTS
The following animal complaints are considered to be urgent and should be followed up immediately with Council:
- Dog attacks
- Reporting of an aggressive/dangerous/menacing dog
- Dogs at Large / Pick Ups
- Animals Injured
- Stock on Road
- Snakes
To report an incident please contact Wyndham City Council on 9742 0777. Note: All the above are urgent and services are available from Council 24 hours a day.
Barking Dogs
Dogs are an important part of our community, but dogs that bark excessively can become a nuisance and create friction between neighbours and others.
Approaching the dog’s owner in a neighbourly manner and discussing your concerns with them sometimes easily resolves this type of complaint.
Please be aware that:
- The dog’s owner may not realise that the barking is causing a nuisance to other people.
- The dog may only bark excessively when the owner is not home.
- The owner may not hear the barking from certain areas in their house.
- The owner may be a very sound sleeper and not woken when the dog barks.
To attempt to resolve the issue in a neighbourly manner approach the dog’s owner when the problem arises and state your case clearly and politely. He or she may not be aware of the barking situation.
If the dog owner is unapproachable or you are not comfortable approaching them, try placing the 'barking dog letter' (available from Council) into their letterbox.
If the neighbour takes no action or does not agree that a problem exists, contact Council. To lodge a complaint with Council you must first show that YOU:
- have spoken with your neighbour and have tried to resolve the problem with them; or
- have attempted to resolve the issue through an independent party like the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
Barking Dog Collars FAQ
How do I hire a collar/fees?
Dog collars for barking dogs are available from Council (45 Princes Hwy, Werribee). A bond of $150 is required and there is a weekly hire rate of $28.00.
The collar comes with a citronella can for refill - instructions on how to use the collar will be given on collection.
How does it work?
When wearing the collar and the dog barks, a citronella spray is activated which deters the dog from further barking.
For further information in dealing with a barking dog contact Council on 9742 0777.