Barking Dog Complaint Process Information
Marion County Dog Control strives to resolve barking dog complaints by first notifying the owner of a concern and providing resources they can use to address the problem before issuing them a notice of civil infraction for a violation of our ordinance.
A letter is mailed to the dog owner and includes a flyer that has suggestions on how to address barking dogs. It also suggested that they contact
Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a community mediation service, to request assistance. Marion County Dog Control collaborates with Neighbor-to-Neighbor to provide assistance to neighbors in reaching a resolution that address barking dogs.
Marion County Dog Control also encourages complainants to contact Neighbor-to-Neighbor so they can set up a meeting between themselves and the dog owner to work toward resolving the issue.
If mediation is unsuccessful or the dog owner will not participate, we ask that complainants notify us and we will send them a “barking dog” log that our department requires complainants to complete. This log will allow neighbors to track the nuisance and to verify any infraction of our ordinance. Once complainants have completed the log, returned it to the shelter, and we have verified a violation, a Dog Control Officer will contact the complaining neighbor.
If the officer determines they can proceed with enforcement, the results of the mediation with Neighbor-to-Neighbor will become a part of the case file to be used in the hearing process.
