Living in a body corporate community can be a wonderful experience, but it also comes with certain responsibilities, especially if you’re a pet owner. In this article, we’ll explore the body corporate rules around barking dogs in Australia and how dog barking collars in Australia, such as the Bark Collar BT7 DogWatch brand from Hidden Fence, can provide a solution to nuisance barking.
Be Aware of Your Responsibilities as a Pet Owner
As a responsible pet owner in a Body Corporate, it’s essential to understand and adhere to the rules and regulations in place. According to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act), pet owners are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that their pets do not disturb other residents. This includes managing excessive barking, which can disrupt the peace and harmony of the community.
Excessive Barking in a Body Corporate
Excessive barking is a common concern in body corporate communities. It can vary in definition depending on specific by-laws, but it generally refers to continuous or repetitive barking that extends for an unreasonable duration, causing significant disturbance to others. It often involves barking that is frequent and loud.
The guidelines for what constitutes excessive barking can be outlined in the body corporate’s by-laws or local council regulations. Being aware of these rules is crucial for dog owners, as it helps maintain a peaceful living environment for everyone in the community.
Addressing Excessive Barking
When faced with excessive barking in a body corporate community, residents have several avenues to address the issue. Here’s a recommended approach:
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Communicate: Start with a friendly and respectful conversation with the dog owner. They may not be aware of the extent of the problem or its impact on others. Explain the situation, express your concerns, and request their cooperation in finding a solution.
Document: Keep a record of excessive barking incidents, noting the date, time, and duration of each occurrence. This documentation can be invaluable in demonstrating the extent of the problem. You can even consider recording or filming the barking as a tool to help you educate the owner. Most often, nuisance barking occurs when the owner is not at home, making the owner oblivious to the problem.
Notify: If the barking persists and causes ongoing disruption despite you offering alternative solutions, report the issue to the Body Corporate. They may issue a breach notice to the pet owner, specifying the by-law and request compliance within a set timeframe.
Report: If the issue persists despite efforts to resolve it internally, residents can report the matter to the local council. Each council has its procedures, which may involve investigating and enforcing local noise regulations, including issuing warnings or fines to the dog owner.
Offer a Solution: Consider recommending dog barking collars in Australia, such as the Bark Collar BT7 DogWatch brand from Hidden Fence, as a proactive solution to address nuisance barking and promote a harmonious community living experience.
Remember, empathy and understanding are essential when addressing this issue, as the dog owner may not fully grasp the impact of their pet’s barking on others. Open communication and adherence to body corporate bylaws are key to promoting a harmonious living environment for all residents.
Non-Compliance with a Breach Notice
If the pet owner does not comply with the breach notice and the barking continues, the situation may escalate. Depending on the severity of the disruption, a contravention notice might be served, or legal proceedings may be initiated through the magistrates’ court or the Body Corporate and Community Management (BCCM) dispute resolution service.
Understanding and following the body corporate rules regarding barking dogs in Australia is crucial for pet owners. Excessive barking can disrupt the peace of a community, but there are steps residents can take to address the issue responsibly.
By adhering to by-laws, engaging in open communication, and seeking mediation if necessary, a resolution can often be reached to mitigate the problem. Remember to offer your neighbour a solution, such as dog barking collars Australia. However, in cases where the nuisance persists, the body corporate has mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with the rules and maintain a peaceful living environment for all residents.
