Council takes lead on Edinburgh's barking dogs

A crackdown on dog barking which affects neighbours has been launched in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh City Council's noise team are educating both dog owners and those disturbed by dog barking during Noise Action Week 2012.

Leaflets telling owners what can cause their dog to bark and how it can be prevented are being distributed.

The leaflets also tell people disturbed by dog barking how to resolve noise issues through formal routes.

The council deals with hundreds of complaints about dog barking each year.

In the last financial year about 550 inquiries and complaints were made about dogs barking in Edinburgh.

An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman said: "Dog barking may seem a small issue but it actually affects hundreds of people across the city. Of course dogs will bark from time to time but excessive or prolonged barking can be annoying for people living or working nearby.

"Approaching the dog owner, initially through informal routes, can often help to resolve the issue. Some people are often not aware of the extent of the problem or are struggling to control their dog's barking.

"This campaign should help raise awareness of what both dog owners and their neighbours can do if they are affected by this issue.

"We would encourage anyone seeking help and advice to contact our dedicated noise team on 0131 529 3030 or email asknoise@edinburgh.gov.uk."

Noise Action Week 2012 continues until Saturday.