A barking dog may be termed as a nuisance in Windsor, Calif.
Windsor, California, calls itself a family-oriented community with an exceptional quality of life. Ordinances in the town protect neighbors and workers from excessively barking dogs. A dog may be termed a public nuisance after a complaint has been filed by two neighbors, living in separate houses. The complaint will be investigated by an animal control officer who will issue a ruling on the complaint.
Ordinance
Animal owners in Windsor may not "permit an animal to obstruct the reasonable and comfortable use of property in any neighborhood or community by chasing vehicles, molesting passersby, barking, howling or making other noise," according to the code of ordinances (3-4-1075 - Public Nuisances Prohibited). Any violation of this section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Animals part of an agricultural business are exempt from being termed a nuisance by law.
Filing a Complaint
To initiate action by an animal control officer, contact animal control with the mailing address of the dog owner you are complaining about and your name and address as the person filing the complaint. If animal control receives a signed complaint from a second resident, an animal control officer will serve the dog owner with an abatement order. If the barking continues, the animal control officer will submit a report to the town attorney to stop the nuisance, and a violation will be filed as a misdemeanor.
Resolving the Problem
Animal control will send you an educational information and advice packet, prepared by the Dumb Friends League, if you are the owner of the dog in question when animal control receives one complaint about excessive barking. The information explains how excessive barking can lead to fights with neighbors and violates town ordinances. It suggests talking to neighbors about the problem and find out when the dog barks, and for how long.
Animal Care and Control
Animal control in Windsor is handled through contract with the Sonoma County Animal Care and Control Division of the Agricultural Commission (Sonoma County Shelter). In addition to handling complaints, the shelter offers adoption services, care for stray animals, pet licensing and limited veterinary care. Field services provided by the shelter include rescue and care of injured animals, rabies control and investigating reports of animal abuse and neglect.
Tags: animal control, animal control officer, control officer, control officer will, officer will, Animal Care, Animal Care Control