Reader concern: My neighbour’s dog does not stop barking throughout the day and it drives me insane. Is there anything we can do to stop it?
This can be a demanding scenario to be in however France’s laws on sound annoyance might apply.
An post of the Public Health Code states that “no particular noise must, by its duration, repetition or intensity, be detrimental to the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood or to human health, in a public or private place.”
The law covers sound made by family pets as it specifies that this holds true “whether a person is the source of the noise or whether it is made by a person, a thing in his care or an animal under his or her responsibility.”
The bottom line is that sound must not become part of the ‘normal’ expectations of every day life.
Who do I call about the issue?
Before acting, the Société Protectrice des Animaux (MEDICAL SPA) animal charity suggests connecting to the family pet’s owner to see if they know the concern.
In some cases, an animal will make sounds when its owner is not around, so she or he might not understand the level of the issue.
If the owner is open to recommendations, the medspa says that a good choice is for the owner to look for help from an animal fitness instructor with regard to the behaviour.
If it is challenging to reach an understanding in between the 2 of you, you can likewise use to an intermediary called a conciliateur de justice, who can help to deal with the concern agreeably and totally free of charge. You can discover one at this site.
Taking additional action
If it is difficult to reach an agreement, or the neighbour is dismissive, you might think about legal opportunities.
Notably, you can report the issue to the authorities municipale or gendarmerie, who might have the ability to check out to bear in mind of the sound.
Fines are offered by law for annoyance neighbours of this kind, at €68, increasing to €180 if not paid within 45 days. If the dog is barking at night time, the fine might rise to €450.
As a last option, it is likewise possible to take the neighbour to court and damages can be granted if you win. In this case, it works to collect proof, for instance, you can pay a huissier (bailiff) to check out and make a main report of the disruption.
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