Animal complaints

Neighbours discussion

Learn what is considered an animal complaint, how to lodge a complaint and what solutions are available.

In order to make a complaint about a dog or cat's behaviour, the problem must be persistent and unreasonable.

Talk to your neighbour first

Minor disagreements about your neighbours' pets are usually better to resolve with your neighbour by yourself. Be reasonable about animal behaviour - all cats like to wander, and all dogs will bark sometimes.

  • Don't be too quick to react, wait and see if the problem continues repeatedly.
  • Discuss your concerns with your neighbour in a friendly way. Many owners don't realise their pet is being a nuisance to others.
  • Try to find a solution that suits both of you.
  • The solution might take time to see the benefits; it takes time to train an animal.

To lodge a complaint about an animal in your neighbourhood you must demonstrate that you have:

  • Be prepared to provide your name, address and phone number - particularly if you'd like to follow up on the issue
  • Spoken with your neighbour and tried to resolve the problem with them
  • Identified any other immediate neighbour(s) that are also affected by the animal and are willing to support your claim, (this may also involve attending court to give evidence)
  • Attempted to resolve the issue through an independent party like the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.

Barking dog complaints

If you are experiencing issues with a barking dog, you can contact Council to investigate. A barking dog diary(PDF, 568KB) must be completed and provided when lodging the complaint with Council.

Refer to our step-by-step guide for barking dog issues:

  1. View our Barking dog complaint information pack(PDF, 568KB)
  2. Inform the pet owner about the issue with their animal
  3. Complete the Barking dog diary and Noise nuisance complaint form
  4. Submit the form online, by post or in-person at any Customer Service Centre.
  5. Second diary pack(PDF, 244KB)
  6. Third diary pack(PDF, 244KB)

Submitting your complaint online

It's quick and easy to lodge your barking dog complaint online. 

Your complaint must include a completed complaint form and barking dog diary(PDF, 568KB). The animal management team will not be able to investigate your complaint without the completed form and diary.

Barking dog complaint

Postal address

Animal Management Team 
Darebin City Council
PO Box 91
Preston VIC 3072

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