Dogs are a man’s best friend for many people in Arizona and the nation. It is always important, though, as a dog owner that you keep control of your pet and follow the laws set up to protect the public. Laws for dog-at-large and aggressive dogs require a pet owner to be in control of his or her pet or face fines and other penalties.
A barking dog is a nuisance for neighbors and can result in fines and legal action.
Tips to silence a barking dog
The City of Phoenix classifies a habitually barking or howling dog to be a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The penalty range for this infraction includes up to 3 years unsupervised probation, up to $2,500 in fines and up to 180 days in jail. If your dog is disturbing someone’s peace, it is your legal responsibility to take action to stop the barking. While this may be easier said than done, the City of Phoenix provides helpful tips to silence a dog, including the following:
- Avoid leaving a dog alone for long periods
- Consider a bark collar or muzzle
- Work on training your dog
- Consult with a veterinarian
Steps for filing a complaint
According to the City of Phoenix, a person who wishes to file a criminal complaint against the owner of a barking dog should talk to the owner first, and then move on to mediation. If these initial steps do not quell the problem, the complainant may then fill out a petition form. This form should document the problem and include signatures of witnesses. The complainant may have to appear in court and testify before a judge.
