Managing Problem Dogs in NSW: What You Need to Know
Excessive barking or aggressive dog behaviour can be stressful for you and your neighbours. In New South Wales, local councils are responsible for handling these issues under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
If a dog is causing a problem, start by documenting the behaviour: note the times, duration, and any patterns of barking or aggression. Then, contact your local council through their website, phone, or email. ( See your local Council Details below) Provide clear details, including the dog owner’s address and your observations.
Council officers will investigate the complaint and can take action, which may include issuing warnings, orders, or fines. Councils may also offer guidance on mediation between neighbours or dog management strategies.
Tip: Acting early and keeping a clear record helps councils respond effectively and keeps your community safe and peaceful.
NSW Councils
Please look down the list for your local council and link to assist resolve your issue with a barking dog. Let us know if any of the links don’t work or if you find a better option.
📖 Read more: Do Anti Bark Devices Really Work
Albury City Council - Complaints about Animals
Armidale Regional Council - Report a Barking Dog
Ballina Shire Council - Noisy Dog Barking
Balranald Shire Council - Noise Pollution
Bathurst Regional Council - Barking Dogs
Bayside Council - Noise Pollution
Bega Valley Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Bellingen Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Berrigan Shire Council - Dog Barking
Blacktown City Council - Barking Dogs
Bland Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Blayney Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Blue Mountains City Council - Noise Control
Broken Hill City Council - Barking Dogs
Burwood Council - Animals and Pets
Byron Shire Council - Noise Complaints
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Campbelltown City Council - Barking Dogs
Central Coast Council - Pet Owner Responsibilities, Barking Dogs
Cessnock City Council - How to Deal with a Barking Dog
City of Canada Bay Council - Noise Nuisance
City of Newcastle - Aggressive and Barking Dogs
City of Sydney - Responsible pet ownership and barking dogs
Clarence Valley Council - Report a Dog Issue
Cobar Shire Council - Nuisance Animals
Coffs Harbour City Council - Barking Dogs
Coolamon Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Coonamble Shire Council - Barking Dogs Complaints
Cowra Council - Pet Owner Responsibilities, Barking Dogs
Cumberland City Council - Nuisance Dogs and Cats
Dubbo Regional Council - Rangers, Compliance and Animals Overview
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Dungog Shire Council - Noise Nuisance - Barking Dogs
Edward River Council - Complaints & Concerns, Barking Dogs
Eurobodalla Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Federation Council - Pets and Animals, Barking Dogs
Forbes Shire Council - Barking Dog Policy - Council Documents
Georges River Council - Animal complaints
Gilgandra Shire Council - Ranger Services
Glen Innes Severn Council - Barking Dogs and Nuisance Complaints
Greater Hume Shire Council - Ranger Services
Griffith City Council - Barking Dogs
Gwydir Shire Council - Nuisance Dog Noise
Hawkesbury City Council - Barking Dog Concerns
Hay Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Hilltops Council - Lodge a Request
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Hornsby Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Hunter's Hill Council - Barking Dogs
Inner West Council - Barking Dogs and Nuisance Dogs
Inverell Shire Council - Animal Complaints and Barking Dogs
Kempsey Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Kiama Municipal Council - Dog Issues
Ku-ring-gai Council - Barking Dogs
Lachlan Shire Council - Complaints and Concerns Barking Dogs
Lake Macquarie City Council - Barking Dogs
Lane Cove Council - Dealing with Barking Dogs
Leeton Shire Council - Excessive Noise
Lismore City Council - Managing Barking Dogs
Lithgow City Council - How to Deal with a Barking Dog
Liverpool City Council - Barking Dogs
Maitland City Council - Report an Issue
MidCoast Council - Report Barking Dog
Mid-Western Regional Council - Barking Dogs
Mosman Municipal Council - Report Barking Dogs
Murray River Council - Problem Dog
Murrumbidgee Council - Report Barking Dogs
Muswellbrook Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Nambucca Valley Council - Responsible Pet Ownership & Barking Dogs
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Narrabri Shire Council - Pet Owner Responsibilities, Barking Dogs
Narromine Shire Council - Noise Control Advice
North Sydney Council - Dog barking or Poor Behaviour
Northern Beaches Council - Report Barking Dog
Orange City Council - Report Barking Dog
Parkes Shire Council - Report Barking Dog
Penrith City Council - Report Barking Dog
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council - Report Barking Dog
Port Stephens Council - Dangerous or Noisy Animals
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council - Nuisance Behaviour Including Barking Dogs Randwick City Council - Nuisance and Barking Dogs
Richmond Valley Council - Report Barking Dog
Shellharbour City Council - Barking Dogs
Shoalhaven City Council - Report a Barking Dog
Singleton Council - Barking Dogs
Snowy Monaro Regional Council - Troubled by Barking Dogs
Snowy Valleys Council - Nuisance and Dangerous Dogs
Strathfield Council - Dealing with Barking Dogs
Sutherland Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Tamworth Regional Council - Dealing with Barking Dogs
Temora Shire Council - Nuisance Barking Dogs
Tenterfield Shire Council - Nuisance Dogs
The Hills Shire Council - Nuisance or Barking Dogs
Tweed Shire Council - Report Barking Dogs
Upper Hunter Shire Council - Barking Dogs
Upper Lachlan Shire Council - Safe Dog Friendly Community
🛒 Shop Ultrasonic Anti-Barking Devices
Uralla Shire Council - Responsible Dog Ownership
Wagga Wagga City Council - Barking Dog in Your Neighbourhood
Walcha Council - Report Barking Dog
Warren Shire Council - Nuisance or Problem Dogs
Warrumbungle Shire Council - Nuisance or Problem Dogs and Animals
Waverley Council - Nuisance Animals
Weddin Shire Council - Animal Control
Wentworth Shire Council - Noise Restrictions
Willoughby City Council - Report Barking Dog
Wingecarribee Shire Council - Solving a Barking Dog
Wollongong City Council - Noise Issues
Woollahra Municipal Council - Nuisance Dogs