Common Pet-Related Issues

Pet disputes between neighbours typically fall into several categories, each with its own challenges and legal considerations. Understanding the specific nature of your issue is the first step toward finding an effective solution.

• Excessive barking – Dogs barking continuously, particularly during night hours or early morning
• Roaming animals – Cats or dogs entering your property without permission
• Property damage – Animals digging, scratching, or destroying fences, gardens, or vehicles
• Waste issues – Pet owners failing to clean up after their animals on shared or neighbouring property
• Aggressive behaviour – Animals displaying threatening or dangerous conduct
• Multiple animals – Excessive numbers of pets in residential areas causing noise, odour, or health concerns

Barking Dogs

Persistent dog barking is one of the most reported neighbourhood complaints in Australia. While dogs naturally bark, excessive or unreasonable barking that interferes with the peace and quiet of your home may constitute a nuisance under local council regulations.

What Constitutes Excessive Barking?

Most councils define excessive barking as continuous noise for extended periods, particularly during restricted hours (typically 10pm to 7am on weekdays, 10pm to 9am on weekends). However, the definition can vary between local government areas.

Roaming Cats and Dogs

Animals that regularly trespass on your property can cause damage, create health hazards, and disturb your peaceful enjoyment of your own space. Australian law generally requires pet owners to keep their animals contained within their own property.

Your Rights

Property owners have the right to enjoy their land without interference from neighbouring animals. While cats are traditionally given more freedom to roam than dogs, they can still be subject to containment orders if they're causing problems.

What You Can Do

• Document evidence of the animal on your property with photos or video
• Speak to the owner about keeping their pet contained
• Report repeat offenders to your local council's animal management
• For dangerous or aggressive animals, contact council or police immediately
• Consider installing pet-safe deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers (but never use anything that could harm animals)

Property Damage

When a neighbour's pet damages your property—whether it's digging up gardens, scratching cars, destroying fences, or fouling lawns—the owner may be liable for the cost of repairs or replacement.

Seeking Compensation

To recover costs for property damage caused by a neighbour's pet:

• Document the damage with photographs and detailed descriptions
• Obtain quotes or receipts for repair costs
• Provide evidence linking the damage to the specific animal
• Send a formal written request to the pet owner for compensation
• If they refuse, consider small claims court (for amounts up to $10,000 in most states)

Council Powers and Penalties

Local councils have significant authority to manage pet-related nuisances under state and territory companion animal legislation. Depending on the severity and persistence of the problem, councils can:

• Issue warning letters to pet owners
• Require owners to attend responsible pet ownership training
• Issue nuisance orders requiring specific actions (soundproofing, containment measures)
• Impose fines for breaches of local laws
• Order the reduction in number of animals kept on a property
• In extreme cases, seize animals or issue destruction orders for dangerous dogs

Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for serious or repeated offences.

Aggressive or Dangerous Animals

If a neighbour's pet displays aggressive behaviour, threatens you or your family, or has attacked people or other animals, this is a serious matter requiring immediate action.

Immediate Steps

Dangerous dog declarations can result in strict conditions including muzzling requirements, secure enclosures, warning signs, and in serious cases, destruction orders.

Multiple Animals and Breeding

Neighbours keeping excessive numbers of animals or running unauthorised breeding operations can create serious noise, odour, and health issues for surrounding properties.

Most residential areas have limits on the number of animals that can be kept without a permit. These limits vary but commonly include:

• 2-3 dogs per household
• 2-4 cats per household
• Various limits for poultry, rabbits, and other animals

If you suspect your neighbour is exceeding these limits or running a commercial breeding operation from a residential property, contact your council's compliance department. They can investigate whether appropriate permits are held and whether the situation constitutes a nuisance.

State and Territory Resources

Each state and territory has specific legislation governing companion animals and pet ownership. Key resources include: