Barking dogs

[ptaylor]

We are homeowners in Texas. Our next door neighbor are an elderly couple in their 70s. 1.5 years ago we got two dachunds that stay in the backyard during the day and have a doggie door into the house. The dogs occasionally bark at people and cars passing by in the alley and other dogs in the neighborhood. However, we always bring them inside at night, although, we both work late (8 or 9pm) and don't always get home before then. Now, the couple next door is complaining about the barking and say they are going to take legal action. What can they do and what are our rights/liabilities?

 

[Arlene]

Your neighbors have a right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. While everyone knows that living in a neighborhood means that you will occasionally have to put up with noise from barking dogs, motorcyles, weed eaters, etc., there is a limit imposed by law based on a reasonableness standard. Your neighbors can claim that you are creating a nuisance by allowing your dogs to bark more than is reasonable. Since you both work late, you may not be aware of how much and how consistently your dogs create a disturbance. They might also report you to the local humane society claiming that your dogs are being mistreated by being left alone. While you are entitled to have pets, you must keep them so that they do not cause a nuisance. Clearly, your neighbors are upset if they are threatening legal action. Why not check to see if you have a local mediation service or community dispute board. These organizations provide mediation services to assist neighbors to solve disputes like this one. I highly recommend them. Check the phone book under mediation.