Control of Dogs Act, 1986 (Sec. 25) - Excessive Barking

Has anyone any experience of making a complaint to their district court regarding a nuisance (barking) dog?

I understand the need to serve notice on the owners and have downloaded the PDF a council's website.

I was just wondering if anyone had gone through the process; what might be required by the district court; cost of undertaking; likely outcomes; etc?

...and before anyone asks, I've tried (several times) to have a polite word with the neighbour about the situation but all I got was a denial of the problem and a mouthful of abuse.

We went to the district and won and here is my advice:

1. Keep a diary of all barking, conversations, abuse etc.

2. Speak to the other neighbours - if they don't want to get involved fine but it looks good to have tried everything.

3. After conversations with dog owners have failed write to them.

4. Strictly speaking you don't need a solicitor in the district court but I would recommend.

5. If possible get an independent expert to take recordings etc. (difficult enough and may be expensive).

6. Keep a diary.

7. If in court just tell the story calmly and truthfully.

8. Keep a diary.

9. Take your time and prepare well for court.

10. Keep a diary.

Best of luck. Since we have had this problem we are amazed at the number of people who are in a similar predicament i.e. hell!