Chief’s Column: When the neighbor’s dogs go woof, woof, WOOF!

QUESTION: I enjoy reading your articles each week and wanted to submit a question hoping you can give me some guidance on a problem. We have a neighbor who has 2 dogs and they have the Invisible fence, so that is nice, the dogs stay in their yard and do not wander. However, these dogs are left outside a lot and they bark almost constantly. They are left outside for long periods when the owners are not home. It’s just very disruptive to us to hear those dogs barking all the time. There have been many times where they will bark for an hour non-stop and it can really get on your nerves. I find it cruel to the dogs, but also inconsiderate as a neighbor as well to have this continue.

What I really wanted to know is what the best approach I can take is. Should I just simply contact the owners and alert them of this to see if they can consider keeping the dogs inside or should I call the police or dog officer and have them speak with my neighbors? I just don’t want to create any neighbor tensions here by doing this, but I really cannot stand it anymore. Your feedback is appreciated.

ANSWER: I understand your concern and frustration as many Town residents have dogs however, not all dog owners are adept at making sure that these pets do not disturb their neighbors. I don’t know what relationship you have with your neighbor so I have no idea how they would react if you were to confront them with this issue. Are your neighbors actually aware of the barking when they’re away?

In many cases, involving the police has a tendency to strain relationships between neighbors and could cause long lasting tension that could be difficult to mend. On the other hand, everyone has the right to the quiet enjoyment of their property and not be subject to disruptive noises such as barking dogs, loud music, etc.

Depending on your relationship, you may wish to speak with your neighbor and inform them of the situation. You can simply tell them that they are probably not aware of the disturbances created by their dogs because they are away. If they are reasonable, I’m sure they will take the necessary steps to ensure harmony in your neighborhood. If not, and the problem persists, then I recommend that you call the police department and we will investigate along with the dog officer. Also, if you feel that the dogs are being neglected or mistreated in any way, call the police department immediately.

NOTE TO DOG OWNERS: With the temperatures reaching 90+ over the past few days, please be sure that your dogs have plenty of water and shade available if they’re left outside for any amount of time and NEVER leave your dog in a car during the warmer months. On an 85-degree day, it only takes ten minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees, even when the windows have been left open an inch or two. Within 30 minutes, a car’s interior can reach over 120 degrees. Even when the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter*. Shade offers little protection on a hot day and moves with the sun. Please leave your pet home in hot weather.

*ASPCA

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police