How do I report excessive dog barking from a Sacramento neighbor’s pet? Take these steps

The city of Sacramento has received more excessive dog barking complaints this year than anytime in the past five years — an age old grievance that’s traditionally tricky to solve.

Officials believe complaints have skyrocketed because of the work culture shift, said Front Street Animal Shelter spokesman Ryan Hinderman in an email to The Bee. Those who now permanently work from home are subjected to noise while dog owners who work in the office are unaware of their pet’s barking habits.

Whatever the reason, tensions between dog owners and their neighbors could be cut with a knife.

A conversation on Reddit forum r/Sacramento about nuisance dog owners brewed: “If I didn’t know better, I would say I’m living in a pound,” a user wrote. The post sparked 84 “upvotes” (similar to likes on other social media platforms) and 41 comments that detailed the excessive dog barking in commenters’ neighborhoods.

While Sacramento has steps for dealing with excessive dog barking, it’s tedious for the complainant. This year alone, the city has recorded 1,267 barking complaints as of Oct. 26, compared to 784 in 2017.

Here are a couple of points, according to the city of Sacramento’s website, Sacramento Animal Control Services wants those to keep in mind before starting the process:

• It’s unrealistic to think that the problem can be rectified immediately

• Complaints about noise are often one of the most difficult issues to be resolved

• It may take several complaints and encounters with your neighboring dog owner before you will notice a difference

• Sacramento Animal Care Services is unable to offer direct assistance through one of their animal control officers

• Persistence and patience are the key to finding a good resolution

Before you report your neighbor

If you’re thinking about reporting your neighbor for their dog’s excessive barking, Sacramento’s Animal Care Services urges residents to first speak with the dog owner.

Often times, according to Sacramento’s Animal Care Services website, people aren’t home during their pet’s barking episodes and are unaware that there’s a problem.

If you’re not comfortable approaching the dog owner alone, try speaking to other members of the community to gauge if there’s a shared concern. If there is, maybe talk to the dog owner as a group or send a letter that details the neighborhood’s concerns.

It’s also a good idea to document the times and duration of the barking in the event the situation escalates to a mediation or civil action against the dog owner.

Report excessive dog barking

CITY OF SACRAMENTO

Those within the city limits can dial 3-1-1 or 916-808-5011 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) to report animal-related issues including excessive dog barking. Complaints can also be reported through the 3-1-1 app.

Once the Sacramento Animal Care Services receives the complaint, a letter will be sent to the dog owner explaining their pet is creating a nuisance along with educational material to help improve the problem.

Hinderman said letters are sent weekly to the respective dog owners.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

The steps to reporting a barking dog in Sacramento County are similar to the city’s, aside from a few details.

Like the city, the county directs its residents to first try to talk to the dog owner. Residents can report their neighbor online, by dialing 916-874-9311 or using the Sacramento County 311 Connect app.

Sacramento County Animal Care and Services will reply, according to the county’s website, in up to five days.

Maybe you need a mediator

Another option to try to curb the constant barking in the neighborhood is to seek help from the Sacramento Mediation Center at 2015 J St. Suite 204 — but it could cost you.

Associate director Jody Prunier with the California Lawyers for the Arts said she stresses residents to talk with their neighbor before involving the center. If for any reason that doesn’t work, the next step is to open a case with the nonprofit organization for a $25 fee.

An important thing to consider: Sacramento Mediation Center doesn’t conduct their own research. Meaning, the neighbor is responsible for gathering the dog owner’s name, address and phone number needed to continue the mediation process.

“We don’t take sides,” Prunier said during a phone interview with The Bee. “Our goal is to get the neighbors talking.”

If a resident opens a case with the Sacramento Mediation Center, here are the steps, according to Prunier, they can expect to go through:

1. A letter will be sent to the dog owner on behalf of the neighbor.
2. Before the second letter is sent to the dog owner, the center will call the neighbor and ask if the situation has improved.
3. If the issue hasn’t resolved, a second letter will be sent to the dog owner.
4. If the issue persists, the center will call the dog owner.
5. If both parties agree, the final step is a three-hour confidential mediation with the neighbor, dog owner and two trained mediators from the center.

There are limits to the the mediation center’s power. If the dog owner doesn’t respond to any of the letters or the phone call, the center will close the case even if there’s no resolution.