If you’re regularly being kept awake by your neighbour’s dog, the police have shared advice on what you can do about it – and it might not be what you expect
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
08:57, 27 Oct 2025
(Image: alexei_tm via Getty Images)
Ever found yourself lying awake due to the relentless barking of a neighbour’s dog?
Police have revealed what actions you can take in such distressing situations – and their guidance may well astonish you.
Whilst some might feel inclined to call 999 or contact the RSPCA, the Ask the Police website recommends speaking with your neighbour initially. This is primarily because they could be entirely oblivious to the issue and how significantly it’s impacting you.
Nevertheless, the guidance shifts completely when the disturbance is constant or if an animal is suffering abuse. An online statement from Ask the Police clarifies: “You should speak to your neighbour about the problem, as they may not be aware that it is happening.
“Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated, then the RSPCA will not be able to help. If you do believe that the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA via their telephone number 0300 1234 999.”, reports the Mirror.
“The noise could be classed as a noise nuisance, so you would need to report it to the Environmental Health department at your local authority. Please see the website in Related Information to report a noise complaint to your local authority.”
You might be astonished to learn that Ask the Police’s guidance remains remarkably similar regarding loud televisions and booming music from neighbouring properties. Importantly, the ‘police have no powers of prosecution for noise offences’ and approaching the neighbour directly is advised as the initial step.
However, for more persistent problems, residents should get in touch with the Environmental Health Department at their local council.
Most departments provide ’24-hour coverage’ and can be contacted at any time.
According to a previous Mirror report, Ask the Police’s guidance states: “For long-term problems, you may be asked by your local authority to keep a diary of information about the noise, such as when it occurs, how loud it is etc., and in some cases you may be provided with some equipment to record the noise. These two steps are designed to gather evidence.
“If the council then decides that someone is causing a statutory noise nuisance, they must issue a ‘noise abatement’ order (i.e. a chance for them to turn the noise down), which if broken can lead to a fine, although it is likely they will give your neighbour the opportunity to turn the TV/music down without further action. The whole process can take some time to complete.”
Local authorities can also serve warning notices for complaints about noise exceeding acceptable levels between 11pm and 7am.
In severe instances, this could escalate to being classified as a ‘statutory nuisance’, assuming specific criteria are met.
If this happens, a penalty of £110 for residential properties or a £500 fine for licensed venues within 14 days could be issued.
Failing to pay the notice or resolve it quickly might lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 for homes and an unlimited sum for licensed establishments. The council is responsible for investigating noise complaints.
Statutory noise nuisance laws do not cover certain types of noise.
Councils have the discretion to decide the level of service for handling noise complaints, including whether to have officers available on call at night. For more information, visit GOV.UK..
