My name is Jessica.

People are being fined for barking dogs. And I am one of those people.

The way this is written, is basically saying, a dog can not be a dog.

And is making it too easy for a neighbor who doesn't like you and or dogs to cause trouble for you.

That is what's happening to me. I do not let my dogs bark  continuously..... EVER!  But that is what I am accused of.

 

But you can also get fined.... Not just because of "excessive barking", but just because they bark... You can get a fine because your dog barks inside your home. "INSIDE YOUR HOME"  And regardless of what time of day. It is all considered a "NUISANCE"... Period!

IT IS WRITTEN:

11.0109 Noises -  It shall be unlawful to harbor or keep any animals which disturb the peace by loud noises at any time of the day or night.

11.0206- Nuisance- When Continuous or untimely barking, molesting passers-by, chasing vehicles, habitually attacking other domestic animals, trespassing upon school grounds, or trespassing upon private property or damaging property by a dog, is hereby declared to be a nuisance. Further, any dog running at large or without license and collar is a nuisance.

 11.0207- Penalty Any person violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of in infraction and be fined not to exceed Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($500.00), and shall be fined not less than Ten and No/100 Dollars ($10.00).

 I am being charged with Nuisance barking, because my dogs go out at night to do their business and if they see a cat or hear a noise.... they bark, just as all dogs do... I make them come right back in when they bark, but that doesn't matter, when you have a neighbor such as I do.  And it is usually her cat they are barking at.  (Which according to another part of the animal ordinance, cats are not allowed to be at large either) 

And also says she can hear them in my house. .... They do not bark non stop.... They do play in the house and make a little noise...They have the right to play.... This is just stupid... I am being bullied...  This is just wrong.

And all this can be done to you without the person turning you in having any proof... Just their word against yours..

Dogs can't even be outside and play. They might make noise....

I feel like you are trying to make me have to give up my dogs. And that is what you are really doing with this ordinance. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REHOME ONE DOG.... 

To some people their dog may be their only friend. Dogs are more than just pets, they are a member of the family. My dogs are my security blanket, I need them...  You are putting stress on me and my dogs, and I am sure on others too.

Shelters/dog rescues are already full. They don't need more because of this bad ordinance.

And a  person has no control over what the dog barks at when they are not home.  If someone comes to the door, noisy children in front of the house, the city siren,  ect.

People are  having to use shock collars and other inhumane ways of trying to keep their dogs quiet. This can and will lead to behavior problems.

This is not fair to the dogs... This ordinance is plain and simple, bullying.

Some peoples children are louder than any dog.  We don't see them getting fined.

It is not right that you get taken to court, just because your dog happens to bark a few times at something. A dog is a dog... they are going to bark.

And when you have a neighbor that doesn't like dogs or has a grudge... WELL HOW CAN YOU FIGHT THAT?  It just isn't right....

It is making living in this town pretty hard. And not everyone can just pick up and leave.

People shouldn't have to walk on egg shells to have a dog.

Barking outside "non stop", day and night is one thing, but this, is completely  different, and needs to be changed.

I would think the police/courts can find better things to do than go after people because of a dog bark. Seems to me if that is all a person has to complain about in life, they should be thankful.....

I understand Non stop barking... but that isn't what this is about...

Please do something to change this. I thought this was America.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter