Welcome to Barking Mad UK - a brand new
website designed especially for those who
suffer from all forms of noise abuse.
What is Noise Abuse?
"Noise abuse is the systematic subjection of an individual to unwarranted levels of audio input."
Okay, so that’s the ‘technical’ explanation out of the way. But what, exactly, does that mean?
Overview
"Noise abuse is the systematic subjection of an individual to unwarranted levels of audio input."
Okay, so that’s the ‘technical’ explanation out of the way. But what, exactly, does that mean?
Overview
Well, let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start. When you read you begin with A, B, C. When you count, you begin with 1, 2, 3. And when you sing . . . well, there are some in this world who are going to sing (or listen to) rap, heavy metal, grunge, or some other form of loud music. At least with the first two, they can do that quietly . . . to themselves. But when you begin to subject others to that level of noise then it becomes more than a simple inconvenience.
It becomes torture!
God forbid that anyone on this website should seek to deprive others of their inalienable right to listen to what they want, at whatever decibel level they desire. But we also have the right not to listen to it. We, equally, have the right not to listen to their dogs barking all the time, or their car engine revving in the early hours of the morning when they return from their evening’s revelry - several sheets to the wind. And if they invite friends over for an evening’s soirée, then who are we to encroach upon their enjoyment? That said, we do reserve the right not to have to listen their loud conversations at five o’clock in the morning.
But when all is said and done, when their rights supersede ours then that is the time to take action. This would normally involve a polite notice to the offender that their behaviour is having a detrimental effect on our lives. Further to that, if the offender is belligerent enough not to take notice, a call to the local council environmental health office should suffice. But if that fails to do the job then it’s a quick trip to the local courts to have an injunction issued; monitored, and enforced, by local law enforcement.
But when all is said and done, when their rights supersede ours then that is the time to take action. This would normally involve a polite notice to the offender that their behaviour is having a detrimental effect on our lives. Further to that, if the offender is belligerent enough not to take notice, a call to the local council environmental health office should suffice. But if that fails to do the job then it’s a quick trip to the local courts to have an injunction issued; monitored, and enforced, by local law enforcement.
Yet, what if those parties mentioned above are incapable
of doing, or are not prepared to do, anything to assist?
of doing, or are not prepared to do, anything to assist?
THAT is an entirely different matter, altogether. And THAT is the very reason for the birth of this new national community project; which hopes, one day, to become a registered charity . . . when it grows up.
What do we do?
Barking Mad is just starting out on its journey to campaign against noise abuse. Our primary goal will be to force the British Government to take a much tougher stand against those who abuse our right to simply enjoy our lives. The project’s ultimate goal, however, will be to assist the over-populated areas of the world in becoming much quieter places.
Our initial work will concentrate itself in three mains areas: Information & Awareness, Civil Liberties, and Research.
There are many corresponding aspects of noise abuse which are generic to all sufferers (no matter what the source.) Yet, in time, this website will segregate the different aspects of noise abuse and, ultimately, help people to understand the nature of the abuse, and how it can affect people’s lives.
Our initial work will concentrate itself in three mains areas: Information & Awareness, Civil Liberties, and Research.
There are many corresponding aspects of noise abuse which are generic to all sufferers (no matter what the source.) Yet, in time, this website will segregate the different aspects of noise abuse and, ultimately, help people to understand the nature of the abuse, and how it can affect people’s lives.
Information & Awareness
Our principal role will be that of the raising of awareness of noise abuse in general; achieved through this site, its forum, and other social networking sites. Our methods of communication will involve as many avenues as possible so as to make people aware of this abhorrent practice and its effects on the human physiological system. As well as offering advice, guidance, or merely a sympathetic ear to victims who visit this site, we will also endeavour to establish an educational programme for schools so that children can better understand the ramifications of excessive noise. Through all of this our argument will always be: “Excessive noise is not simply inconsiderate, it is HARMFUL.”
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Civil Liberties
There are those who suffer the thoughtlessness of others simply because they belong to a social group unable to defend itself against such abuse; e.g. the elderly, infirmed, and children. We will undertake to address these inequalities and promote more constructive human rights for the benefit of our national community; thereby tackling this inconsiderate behaviour and, in some cases, even victimisation.
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Research
When considering our Aims and Objectives, one question springs to mind: Why should anyone believe us? You may not believe that we are actively lying, but you may wonder whether what we say is based on evidence of any kind. To answer this question we will conduct our own research into the harm noise abuse can cause, and the number of people it affects. Added to this will be supportive assistance in any, and all, medical or social research being carried out by any other party or organisation.
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Miscellaneous
The Site
At the top-left of this ‘Home Page’ you'll see various headings (as and when they're published.) Please feel free to browse at your leisure and, if you feel inclined, visit the Forum so you can tear the website apart in minute detail, argue with the administrators (and others) over certain points, pass on information, and generally rant and rave. Maybe you’ll relate your nightmare to other visitors. At the very least, you'll quickly see you are not alone in your suffering. The Forum may not take away the nuisance, but it does help . . . slightly.
Overseas Visitors
Barking Mad is ostensibly a UK-based organisation but we do welcome informative contributions from all over the world. So, even though you do not live in the United Kingdom, if you happen to access this website by accident or through curiosity and you wish to submit your own story, or an observation, then please feel free to do so.
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Related Professionals
Professionals working in related fields (GPs, audiologists, psychologists, dog trainers, audio equipment manufacturers, etc.) please go to the Forums page if you wish to contribute or, alternatively (if not forum-related), simply send an email to the address on the Contacts & Donations page.
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Mike David
Director
Director
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