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FionaC (California)
Posts: 212
Posted:
Hello
I am once again in a situation and not sure how to handle this.

Over the past few months I know one of our board members adopted a pair of terriers and since this adoption, when she is gone. They bark nonstop!! Good thing she is home most of the regular hours when I am off. Bad news? She is on the board, lives next door to our president and under our treasurer. It's like government central on their end..

A couple of our neighbors that live above and around her have spoken to her. Nothing has been done. They are very hesitant to call management company as they are afraid of retaliation. I am not so afriad of this, but the dogs although I can hear them clear on the other side of our 70 unit building I block them out shut the doors and ignore them. But it is a nuisance for those who live on "that end".

I suggested to get the city involved to the homeowners who are concerned. Our management company will not take complaints anonymously and neighbors are afraid to use the management route as the board member has full access to emails and complaints.

Is it just wise to suggest the local animal control? I do beleive the dogs are nusainace barkers. A few neighbors work nights and it's causing issues for them. Yet, they are terrified to complain.
JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219
Posted:
Hi Fiona:

Anonymous complaints should not be taken, so your management company is correct as there is a burden of proof involved which cannot be done anonymously.

They need to be aware even if they go to local officials it will not necessarily be done anonymously. The local official when they first discuss with the neighbor may not reveal anyone’s name regarding the complaint, but if the individual fights the complaint that option will no longer exist. Anyone prosecuted for any violation will be entitled to know who is making an accusation against them.

They should try to politely talk to the neighbor again, let neighbor know they are trying to work this out to avoid filing any formal complaints. They might suggest the neighbor try a bark collar or other bark device for a short while, until the dogs are properly trained. It could be the neighbor has not thought of this option. After that they should go through the management company. It is always better to follow proper procedure.
RussellZ (Michigan)
Posts: 3
Posted:
This is the USA, Not USSR - voice your complaint with her and
if ignored - proceed further. is living in fear of retaliation
living at all??
If you are stating the facts EVERBODY in the area (except perhaps
the dog owner) will agree with you so its many vs few.
JackB8 (Virginia)
Posts: 141
Posted:
Russellz. You and I think exactly alike. The "Look the other way because you are afraid to complain" attitude on the part of a large group of people in our society is the primary reason folks like our buddies in Germany (World War 2) and Iraq (Desert Storm) got where they did. Nip it in the bud.
FionaC (California)
Posts: 212
Posted:
I think you all missed the part. SHe has been spoken too by several people. Nothing happened. This woman is a smart lady. She doesn't need someone to mention a bark collar. It's known that she walks the pets on the property without a leash.. yet she doesn't think the leash rules apply.

I think getting animal control involved is a better idea. Our management company has never done anything for any of my noisy neighbors but calling the police certainly has.

Turns out we do have a city law that is in align with the barking dog issue. Actually as I stated, it doesn't really affect me as much as others. I think that they should make up their own mind, but noise abatement issues are a city law. More power with city official involvement.
BB5 (Missouri)
Posts: 145
Posted:
If the dogs are inside and also in a complex that has a HOA/Management Co. how could local officials get involved our nusiance ordinances only apply outside.
FionaC (California)
Posts: 212
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By BB5 on 02/05/2011 8:24 AM
If the dogs are inside and also in a complex that has a HOA/Management Co. how could local officials get involved our nusiance ordinances only apply outside.

HI i'd like to close this thread. Animal Control does have access to this building like any other government or city agency. FYI, it appears as though AC has made contact with this individual. They attempted a visit during work hours. Unable to speak to the owner, but she did receive a letter yesterday according to the rumors.
Just because we are a private community does not mean we are immune to the city noise abatement. Sad, but true. We are not in own little fortress.

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