Barking Mad (UK) - a brand new website
for those who suffer from 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?
for those who suffer from 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?
Who are we?
“Barking Mad UK” was established to counter the inadequacies of councils, the police, legal system, and government regarding Noise Abuse. Barking dogs are the worst perpetrators of Noise Abuse, but what else causes sleepless nights, nausea, the inability to think, concentrate, or relax? |
What do we do?
Barking Mad UK’s goal is to force the Government to take a much tougher stand against those who abuse our right to enjoy our lives. Our ultimate goal, however, is to assist the world in becoming much quieter. Our work will concentrate on three mains areas: Information & Awareness, Civil Liberties, and Research. |
What is “Barking Dog Syndrome”?
Barking Dog Syndrome is the new term for ailments suffered by Noise Abuse victims. What are the symptoms of this syndrome? For a full listing of all the symptoms please see the page marked “Barking Dog Syndrome”. |
Why “Barking Dog Syndrome”? Why not “Noise Abuse Syndrome”? The Director started with “Barking Dog Syndrome” simply because of the dogs. If you can think of a better, catchier, title, then let the Director know. |
COMMON ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF NOISE ABUSE
“But it’s two o’clock in the afternoon.”
Irrespective of the time of day, there should be no constraints on noise. Any time that a noise is too much should be the time it is STOPPED! “So, my dogs bark. That’s what they do, bark.” Barking is something common to domesticated dogs. A dog may well detect a house fire, but does that mean it has to bark for hours before the alarm goes off?! We have police forces, alarm systems, doors, locks. Why, then, is it necessary to have an alarm system in a dog? |
“So, why do dogs bark, then?”
For many reasons. But they can be broken down into three areas - training, health, and socialisation. Most complaints range from dogs left alone for too long periods, to dogs being allowed to run free (causing injury to people and other pets.) “But they’re not making that much noise.” How much noise is acceptable? A dog may only whimper but this can be extremely disturbing. Yet, why is it whimpering in the first place? When a dog whines or barks, all afternoon, morning, or night, then the volume is totally unimportant. When there is no respite, then it becomes more than an inconvenience! It becomes torture! |
“You’re just anti-dog!”
“Yes, and no.” I have been traumatised by barking dogs but I still appreciate that people can benefit
from owning a dog. There's nothing wrong with that . . . per se. But when a person’s enjoyment of
anything infringes on another’s right to live the way they want to, it becomes a totally different matter.
There are good owners and bad ones. Good ones take the dog into their family; developing a bond
with the dog and attending to its needs. Good owners do not treat their dog as a pet, but as a friend.
"It's my music, I'll play it as loud as I want."
Really? You’ll play it as loudly as you want? With absolutely no consideration for others nearby?
With total disregard for the well-being of your own children?
“What’s my own children got to do with it?”
Do you realise that loud music can damage your child’s hearing? It's not so much the music which is dangerous,
but the bass-line associated with certain types of music. Music in the higher frequencies does not travel far. But
music in the lower frequencies (such as bass music) travels quite a distance. Were you aware, for instance, that
elephants can detect sub-harmonic frequencies up to ten miles away. This concentrated volume can damage the
inner ear; eventually causing severe loss of hearing, and even total deafness.
“Yes, and no.” I have been traumatised by barking dogs but I still appreciate that people can benefit
from owning a dog. There's nothing wrong with that . . . per se. But when a person’s enjoyment of
anything infringes on another’s right to live the way they want to, it becomes a totally different matter.
There are good owners and bad ones. Good ones take the dog into their family; developing a bond
with the dog and attending to its needs. Good owners do not treat their dog as a pet, but as a friend.
"It's my music, I'll play it as loud as I want."
Really? You’ll play it as loudly as you want? With absolutely no consideration for others nearby?
With total disregard for the well-being of your own children?
“What’s my own children got to do with it?”
Do you realise that loud music can damage your child’s hearing? It's not so much the music which is dangerous,
but the bass-line associated with certain types of music. Music in the higher frequencies does not travel far. But
music in the lower frequencies (such as bass music) travels quite a distance. Were you aware, for instance, that
elephants can detect sub-harmonic frequencies up to ten miles away. This concentrated volume can damage the
inner ear; eventually causing severe loss of hearing, and even total deafness.
“But I’ve got no children, it’s just me.”
No, it isn’t just you; it’s your neighbours, also. They don't deny you the right to listen to that music; any music. All they want is for you to be aware that they do not wish to listen to it. |
“I don’t have dogs and I wear headphones to listen to music.”
Good, that shows you're considerate . . . doesn’t it? Maybe. But noise abuse does not apply only to barking dogs and loud music. Anything can constitute noise abuse if it involves a noise which is force-fed into another person’s environment. Abusers do not care about others, non-anusers DO!
|
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Promote:
better pet care and control;
the initiation of a ‘contract of care’ system
the enforcement of training/care sessions (where required)
a better understanding by owners of the needs of their pets and the legal requirements regarding pets
the integration of the pet into the family unit
the purchase of ‘alternative pets’ (e.g. cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.)
“Neighbourhood Courts” with;
the power and authority to act on the sufferer’s behalf
an acceleration of legal proceedings to reduce the suffering of victims
a more aggressive stand against those who abuse their neighbour’s lives
a more stringent approach to the admonishment or punishment of the offender
more rights for the sufferer than the perpetrator
better accessibility for those on low income
adequate follow-up procedures to ensure that court rulings are being adhered to
a more pro-active role;
taken by GPs, MPs, the RSPCA, the police, and the courts, in neighbourhood disputes (especially noise abuse)
a redefinition of laws governing noise abuse;
with special emphasis on:-
the transition of noise abuse from civil conviction to criminal conviction
the regulation of the number of pets owned per square metre
the introduction of an “End-user Agreement” for those who wish to breed dogs
(In the UK, in 2009, Battersea Dogs Home put down 2815 dogs, and the RSPCA destroyed 3000 healthy dogs.)
Educate:
appropriate authorities on;
the equation of the victim’s suffering with more violent forms of abuse
more concern being paid to the sufferers’ welfare than that of the animal’s
the enforcement of laws regarding pet abuse
better monitoring of infractions
the need for faster response times from the Environmental Health Officers
a more unilateral approach to noise abuse
the necessity for strict confidentiality
better pet control
the public as to;
the health concerns resulting from noise abuse
the experiences of the sufferers
the education of children by their parents regarding the ownership of pets
Research:
the causes and effects of noise abuse throughout the United Kingdom.
Promote:
better pet care and control;
the initiation of a ‘contract of care’ system
the enforcement of training/care sessions (where required)
a better understanding by owners of the needs of their pets and the legal requirements regarding pets
the integration of the pet into the family unit
the purchase of ‘alternative pets’ (e.g. cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.)
“Neighbourhood Courts” with;
the power and authority to act on the sufferer’s behalf
an acceleration of legal proceedings to reduce the suffering of victims
a more aggressive stand against those who abuse their neighbour’s lives
a more stringent approach to the admonishment or punishment of the offender
more rights for the sufferer than the perpetrator
better accessibility for those on low income
adequate follow-up procedures to ensure that court rulings are being adhered to
a more pro-active role;
taken by GPs, MPs, the RSPCA, the police, and the courts, in neighbourhood disputes (especially noise abuse)
a redefinition of laws governing noise abuse;
with special emphasis on:-
the transition of noise abuse from civil conviction to criminal conviction
the regulation of the number of pets owned per square metre
the introduction of an “End-user Agreement” for those who wish to breed dogs
(In the UK, in 2009, Battersea Dogs Home put down 2815 dogs, and the RSPCA destroyed 3000 healthy dogs.)
Educate:
appropriate authorities on;
the equation of the victim’s suffering with more violent forms of abuse
more concern being paid to the sufferers’ welfare than that of the animal’s
the enforcement of laws regarding pet abuse
better monitoring of infractions
the need for faster response times from the Environmental Health Officers
a more unilateral approach to noise abuse
the necessity for strict confidentiality
better pet control
the public as to;
the health concerns resulting from noise abuse
the experiences of the sufferers
the education of children by their parents regarding the ownership of pets
Research:
the causes and effects of noise abuse throughout the United Kingdom.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Noise is considered a part of life. Yet noise abuse is a pathogen; released into the atmosphere, with potentially
fatal consequences. Many are suffering and many more will suffer in the future. Authorities are unable to understand
the suffering involved; their inability to enforce laws, or sympathise with victims, are the basis for many sufferers’
complaints. It is assumed to be everyone’s right to live without intrusion by inconsiderate neighbours. Retaliation from
said neighbours could be viewed as minor terrorism. Sufferers have become a minority group; with the system weighed
heavily against them. Only a determined law suit will bring an end to the suffering of so many.
EDITORIAL
Noise is considered a part of life. Yet noise abuse is a pathogen; released into the atmosphere, with potentially
fatal consequences. Many are suffering and many more will suffer in the future. Authorities are unable to understand
the suffering involved; their inability to enforce laws, or sympathise with victims, are the basis for many sufferers’
complaints. It is assumed to be everyone’s right to live without intrusion by inconsiderate neighbours. Retaliation from
said neighbours could be viewed as minor terrorism. Sufferers have become a minority group; with the system weighed
heavily against them. Only a determined law suit will bring an end to the suffering of so many.
EDITORIAL
Introduction
The most insidious form of noise abuse is a barking dog. Too many people own too many dogs. In America around three million dogs are euthanised each year. In 2009, Battersea Dogs Home put down 2815 dogs, and the RSPCA destroyed 3000 healthy dogs. Most sufferers are unconcerned with the reasons for lack of dog control; only that it occurs. The media plays its part; it is owned by too few organisations who promote their own bias. The dog has gained the status of person-hood and now receives the same sympathy as children do. To quote one sufferer: "Dogs have become our national sacred cow.” |
Dogs & Owners
Some dogs' behaviour could be attributed to the lack of activity but should be aimed at the owner’s lack of attention. Left alone, boredom sets in and dogs become restless. Certain characteristics manifest themselves; some unsociable, others dangerous. More disreputable owners are extremely negligent; showing scant regard for others and indifference to the problem. Some owners exhibit the characteristics of bullies, combined with severe anti-social conduct. The more violent ones threaten victims and become so aggressive that the victim fears for their life. Irresponsible dog owners are not an isolated problem but are a world-wide problem. |
Authorities & Courts
Most sufferers agree that authorities do not understand the complexities of owning a dog; they consider barking
to be a minor problem and respond accordingly. There is no uniformity as to what constitutes "disturbance" so little
is done to assist victims; sufferers feel as if they’re treated like criminals. They also experience a lack of sympathy
from law enforcement; police officers tend to ignore such a minor offence. Organisations claiming to protect the
interests of animals prove ignorant regarding dog noise and are unaware of how to solve the problem. Courts are
ineffective in addressing the suffering of those assaulted by a dog's barking; a major complaint being that even if
a case reaches court, little is done. The vagueness of laws surrounding noise abuse makes prosecution difficult;
indeed, some sufferers cannot even afford legal assistance.
Sufferers/Victims
When considering the case histories of sufferers, one can see a pattern evolving; a systematic
abandonment of the sufferers’ rights to live their lives without facing the abuse of others.
Most sufferers agree that authorities do not understand the complexities of owning a dog; they consider barking
to be a minor problem and respond accordingly. There is no uniformity as to what constitutes "disturbance" so little
is done to assist victims; sufferers feel as if they’re treated like criminals. They also experience a lack of sympathy
from law enforcement; police officers tend to ignore such a minor offence. Organisations claiming to protect the
interests of animals prove ignorant regarding dog noise and are unaware of how to solve the problem. Courts are
ineffective in addressing the suffering of those assaulted by a dog's barking; a major complaint being that even if
a case reaches court, little is done. The vagueness of laws surrounding noise abuse makes prosecution difficult;
indeed, some sufferers cannot even afford legal assistance.
Sufferers/Victims
When considering the case histories of sufferers, one can see a pattern evolving; a systematic
abandonment of the sufferers’ rights to live their lives without facing the abuse of others.
Relaxation
Our days are more stressful than ever, and we need to relax. Constant noise affects the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS); blood pressure is maintained at a higher level. This can lead to health issues - stroke, heart attack, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and sleep disturbance. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to noise and suffer more; children may fall behind in education. It is a person’s right to live without invasion of personal space. Sufferers live in a world where noise is constant; their quality of life ruined. The best observation comes from one sufferer: “Life is hell when you can never relax.” Neighbour Conflict Aggressive neighbours counter-claim for nuisance, physically threaten, maliciously gossip, etc. Some victims cannot defend themselves against this behaviour; which is nothing short of terrorism. They realise their other neighbours are equally afraid of getting involved and thus cannot expect support. |
Psychological Health
Simply because a person does not look like they are suffering does not mean that psychological trauma is not taking place. Some people are so affected that they eventually contemplate suicide. To a lesser extent psychological trauma becomes so ingrained that some victims spend years suffering from the symptoms. The sufferer’s general state of health deteriorates over time and can lead to constant headaches, high blood pressure, etc. Their health is threatened by unwelcome noise, their peace ruined, their privacy intruded upon, and their trust in the “system” is shattered. The compounded stress eventually takes its toll on both mind and body. |
Financial Costs
Most people ask, “Why don’t you simply move house?” One problem with moving is that a sufferer’s property has been devalued by a barking dog, or dogs. The main disadvantage is in finding someone who is cognisant of the noise abuse but willing to purchase the property nonetheless. The sale of a sufferer’s house is not the only financial burden. E.g., a sufferer may lose their job because they struggle to stay awake at work; and those who work from home have a similar experience. Soundproofing can be beyond the budget of most families - some dogs can be heard through closed windows and when they cannot be opened to let in fresh air, the costs of air conditioning can be considerable. Most anti-barking devices do not work properly or have little effect. Yet, the sufferer will continue searching for ways to quiet the offending dog(s) and purchase other devices – thus adding to overall expenditure. |
General
Noise abuse sufferers are isolated from society; becoming their own minority group. Animal control, police, government officials, courts, etc., must be forced to protect the sufferer; elected representatives should assist in that protection. The system is weighed heavily against the sufferer; the burden of resolution placed firmly with them. Most sufferers agree the dog has become so beloved that those who do suffer are afraid to speak out. People who never experience a barking problem see those who complain as dog haters when they are simply noise haters. To quote one newspaper article: [Sunday Mail survey, Australia] “1 in 5 people said they had been run out of house and home by neighbours whose behaviour ranged from the bizarre to criminal . . . neighbourhood bullies care nothing for the trappings of a civil society, are undaunted by authority, law, good manners or public embarrassment. They steal neighbours' privacy, contentment, security, happiness and futures as surely as muggers snatch wallets and mobile phones . . . a person who makes another's home untenable, uninhabitable, and unsellable, is no better than a bank robber with a mask and a gun.” |
Health
Sufferers experience physiological and psychological stress on a daily basis. They say that when sleep is continually disturbed it causes hypertension, a weakened immune system, a significant increase to the risk of heart attack, causes short-term memory loss,
and an inability to concentrate. Noise disturbs sleep, degrades performance at work and school, reduces productivity, increases the
rate of accidents, interferes with cognitive development in children, intensifies the development of latent mental disorders, and
causes stress which influences mental health and social behaviour. More importantly noise force-fed into their home ruins marriages, fosters addiction, destroys health, shreds one's psyche, and can drive people to suicide; they quote the World Health Organization,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and every major research institution which has studied this matter. They see
noise as one of the great neglected environmental hazards and dogs in particular as the single most dangerous noise source. The
World Health Organization has acknowledged the harm to human health from intrusive noise. They recommended governments,
at all levels, everywhere, must not wait for conclusive proof that neighbourhood noise causes damage.
Conclusions
Overview
Noise is generally misunderstood. Day or night, noise produces serious physical and psychological stress and no-one is immune.
Ignore it as we might, the ear always registers noise whether we want it to or not. Those who cannot cope with noise can direct
their anger towards others, totally innocent of wrongdoing. Sleep is essential to our daily routine; it restores our equilibrium. The
elderly or infirmed, and babies or children, find it difficult to cope with noise and may be at greater risk from its effects. In fact,
there are indications that a foetus can suffer from the effects when its mother is subjected to industrial and environmental noise.
To resolve this intolerable situation, below are a few examples of necessary changes to public and authoritative attitudes:
Sufferers experience physiological and psychological stress on a daily basis. They say that when sleep is continually disturbed it causes hypertension, a weakened immune system, a significant increase to the risk of heart attack, causes short-term memory loss,
and an inability to concentrate. Noise disturbs sleep, degrades performance at work and school, reduces productivity, increases the
rate of accidents, interferes with cognitive development in children, intensifies the development of latent mental disorders, and
causes stress which influences mental health and social behaviour. More importantly noise force-fed into their home ruins marriages, fosters addiction, destroys health, shreds one's psyche, and can drive people to suicide; they quote the World Health Organization,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and every major research institution which has studied this matter. They see
noise as one of the great neglected environmental hazards and dogs in particular as the single most dangerous noise source. The
World Health Organization has acknowledged the harm to human health from intrusive noise. They recommended governments,
at all levels, everywhere, must not wait for conclusive proof that neighbourhood noise causes damage.
Conclusions
Overview
Noise is generally misunderstood. Day or night, noise produces serious physical and psychological stress and no-one is immune.
Ignore it as we might, the ear always registers noise whether we want it to or not. Those who cannot cope with noise can direct
their anger towards others, totally innocent of wrongdoing. Sleep is essential to our daily routine; it restores our equilibrium. The
elderly or infirmed, and babies or children, find it difficult to cope with noise and may be at greater risk from its effects. In fact,
there are indications that a foetus can suffer from the effects when its mother is subjected to industrial and environmental noise.
To resolve this intolerable situation, below are a few examples of necessary changes to public and authoritative attitudes:
Recommendations
Owners
Owners should be required to prove they have the necessary competence
with which to raise a dog, and an appropriate environment in which to do so.
In public, owners should be required by law to have their dogs on a leash. If a dog is found to
be unleashed then its custodian will be subject to an immediate fine. The same would apply to
a dog found not to be under the ‘effective control’ of its custodian.
Dogs should be required by law to be neutered as soon after birth as possible. Therefore,
only licensed people would be allowed to breed dogs – and only up to a maximum number.
Owners should be forced to undertake canine-training sessions.
Owners’ ‘lame’ excuses should be ignored (e.g. “It’s a guard dog.” – why not use a security system instead?)
Authorities
Councils should do more to assist the sufferers.
A simple dog licence should be issued along with a ‘contract of care’.
Complainant information should be kept strictly confidential – with dismissal
and fines levied against those employees who give out information.
Noise Abuse Teams should respond faster. Dog Wardens should
be more concerned with the sufferer’s welfare than the animal’s.
Councils should purchase, and their operatives physically set-up,
equipment necessary for the recording of continuous noise abuse.
Small “On-The-Spot” fines should be levied against the owner of a “nuisance” dog; thus swelling the
coffers of the council and, simultaneously, teaching the owner that it is more financially prudent to
quiet the dog than let it bark all the time.
Authorities must delineate responsibility for dog control, and establish
a uniformly organised and aggressive system to protect the sufferer.
Law Enforcement
Law does not exist just to enforce the more grievous crimes. As such:
The sufferer needs to be seen as a victim and not a perpetrator.
Law enforcement should be required to understand the suffering of victims of noise abuse
and begin to equate the cruelty they suffer with other, more violent, forms of abuse.
Law enforcement must take a more pro-active role in neighbourhood disputes (especially noise abuse.)
The “Safer Neighbourhood” Teams should be given more power to intervene; thus diffusing particular
conflicts before they escalate into potentially violent situations.
Through the collection of empirical evidence (via recording equipment) police officers
should act on behalf of the complainant, as the very witnesses which the court requires.
Legal System
Local courts should be made more financially accessible for those on low income.
Solicitors/Barristers should be forced to handle pro-bono cases; legal representation
must be made available to those accusing as well as those defending.
Legal proceedings must be accelerated to ensure that victims do not suffer needlessly. Courts need to
take a more aggressive stand against owners whose dogs continually abuse their neighbour’s lives.
The “system” must redress the imbalance between sufferer
and abuser and give more rights to people rather than dogs.
There should be a more aggressive approach to ‘follow-up’ procedures, showing whether
or not a court ruling is being adhered to; should this not be the case, then the dog(s)
should immediately be removed from the premises.
Mediation should only ever be a first recourse. After a certain amount of time, more authoritative
action should be taken. If either party does not take part in this process, then their decision will
be held against them in future proceedings.
“Neighbourhood Courts” need to be established. They must be given both the
power and authority to enforce local ordinances; as well as their own rulings.
There should be a comprehensive redefinition of laws governing noise abuse. Tougher penalties
should help discourage the behaviour of irresponsible people and help promote better quality of
life in our communities.
Others
Many others have a direct, or peripheral, association with the sufferer.
Therefore, their involvement should become more pronounced. As such:
The medical profession should take a more pro-active role in a sufferer’s health. The sufferer
need only describe the impact of noise upon their life and their doctor would immediately initiate
a report to the Council and Police; with a copy forwarded to the local MP.
The RSPCA should become more involved in the fight against irresponsible dog
owners; combined with a better understanding of the needs of these animals.
Local MPs should take more interest in the needs of their constituents and endeavour
to use their power and authority to force others to act on the sufferer’s behalf.
The Media needs to promote stories showing the “other side of the fence”; not simply ‘cute’ dog stories.
Changing the public’s perception of dogs should go a long way to alleviating the suffering of so many.
More effective devices should be permitted to teach the dog not to bark; even if these devices cause pain.
Research
Global research into immediate and cumulative effects of noise abuse has been inadequate; in the UK, even less so. In 2006,
DEFRA carried out research into noise resulting in the conclusion that the most annoying noises are loud music, loud behaviour, and barking dogs. Their research is atypical of most research carried out. Their study involved 2,000 people; this is only 0.004%
of this country's total adult population. 2,000 people are not sufficient enough to conduct any credible research. Even if these
people comprised a cross-section of our society, there are those within each section whose opinion would differ from those
who actually took part in the research.
Therefore:
A more comprehensive study must be undertaken to determine both cause and effect
of noise abuse throughout the UK. This study will focus on barking dogs but also include
other sources of noise abuse; commercial, industrial, and environmental.
This study will be conducted by Barking Mad UK. It will become a registered charity through whose
efforts a lobby group will evolve to change the nature of noise abuse within the United Kingdom.
Participants in this research will come from those contacting Barking Mad UK website;
especially established for those suffering from all forms of noise abuse.
Members of this new charity will include the legal and law enforcement professions, the general
medical and audiology fields, governing bodies (Council and Parliamentary), and finally industrial,
commercial and environmental experts.
Owners
Owners should be required to prove they have the necessary competence
with which to raise a dog, and an appropriate environment in which to do so.
In public, owners should be required by law to have their dogs on a leash. If a dog is found to
be unleashed then its custodian will be subject to an immediate fine. The same would apply to
a dog found not to be under the ‘effective control’ of its custodian.
Dogs should be required by law to be neutered as soon after birth as possible. Therefore,
only licensed people would be allowed to breed dogs – and only up to a maximum number.
Owners should be forced to undertake canine-training sessions.
Owners’ ‘lame’ excuses should be ignored (e.g. “It’s a guard dog.” – why not use a security system instead?)
Authorities
Councils should do more to assist the sufferers.
A simple dog licence should be issued along with a ‘contract of care’.
Complainant information should be kept strictly confidential – with dismissal
and fines levied against those employees who give out information.
Noise Abuse Teams should respond faster. Dog Wardens should
be more concerned with the sufferer’s welfare than the animal’s.
Councils should purchase, and their operatives physically set-up,
equipment necessary for the recording of continuous noise abuse.
Small “On-The-Spot” fines should be levied against the owner of a “nuisance” dog; thus swelling the
coffers of the council and, simultaneously, teaching the owner that it is more financially prudent to
quiet the dog than let it bark all the time.
Authorities must delineate responsibility for dog control, and establish
a uniformly organised and aggressive system to protect the sufferer.
Law Enforcement
Law does not exist just to enforce the more grievous crimes. As such:
The sufferer needs to be seen as a victim and not a perpetrator.
Law enforcement should be required to understand the suffering of victims of noise abuse
and begin to equate the cruelty they suffer with other, more violent, forms of abuse.
Law enforcement must take a more pro-active role in neighbourhood disputes (especially noise abuse.)
The “Safer Neighbourhood” Teams should be given more power to intervene; thus diffusing particular
conflicts before they escalate into potentially violent situations.
Through the collection of empirical evidence (via recording equipment) police officers
should act on behalf of the complainant, as the very witnesses which the court requires.
Legal System
Local courts should be made more financially accessible for those on low income.
Solicitors/Barristers should be forced to handle pro-bono cases; legal representation
must be made available to those accusing as well as those defending.
Legal proceedings must be accelerated to ensure that victims do not suffer needlessly. Courts need to
take a more aggressive stand against owners whose dogs continually abuse their neighbour’s lives.
The “system” must redress the imbalance between sufferer
and abuser and give more rights to people rather than dogs.
There should be a more aggressive approach to ‘follow-up’ procedures, showing whether
or not a court ruling is being adhered to; should this not be the case, then the dog(s)
should immediately be removed from the premises.
Mediation should only ever be a first recourse. After a certain amount of time, more authoritative
action should be taken. If either party does not take part in this process, then their decision will
be held against them in future proceedings.
“Neighbourhood Courts” need to be established. They must be given both the
power and authority to enforce local ordinances; as well as their own rulings.
There should be a comprehensive redefinition of laws governing noise abuse. Tougher penalties
should help discourage the behaviour of irresponsible people and help promote better quality of
life in our communities.
Others
Many others have a direct, or peripheral, association with the sufferer.
Therefore, their involvement should become more pronounced. As such:
The medical profession should take a more pro-active role in a sufferer’s health. The sufferer
need only describe the impact of noise upon their life and their doctor would immediately initiate
a report to the Council and Police; with a copy forwarded to the local MP.
The RSPCA should become more involved in the fight against irresponsible dog
owners; combined with a better understanding of the needs of these animals.
Local MPs should take more interest in the needs of their constituents and endeavour
to use their power and authority to force others to act on the sufferer’s behalf.
The Media needs to promote stories showing the “other side of the fence”; not simply ‘cute’ dog stories.
Changing the public’s perception of dogs should go a long way to alleviating the suffering of so many.
More effective devices should be permitted to teach the dog not to bark; even if these devices cause pain.
Research
Global research into immediate and cumulative effects of noise abuse has been inadequate; in the UK, even less so. In 2006,
DEFRA carried out research into noise resulting in the conclusion that the most annoying noises are loud music, loud behaviour, and barking dogs. Their research is atypical of most research carried out. Their study involved 2,000 people; this is only 0.004%
of this country's total adult population. 2,000 people are not sufficient enough to conduct any credible research. Even if these
people comprised a cross-section of our society, there are those within each section whose opinion would differ from those
who actually took part in the research.
Therefore:
A more comprehensive study must be undertaken to determine both cause and effect
of noise abuse throughout the UK. This study will focus on barking dogs but also include
other sources of noise abuse; commercial, industrial, and environmental.
This study will be conducted by Barking Mad UK. It will become a registered charity through whose
efforts a lobby group will evolve to change the nature of noise abuse within the United Kingdom.
Participants in this research will come from those contacting Barking Mad UK website;
especially established for those suffering from all forms of noise abuse.
Members of this new charity will include the legal and law enforcement professions, the general
medical and audiology fields, governing bodies (Council and Parliamentary), and finally industrial,
commercial and environmental experts.
CONTACTS & DONATIONS
Like any charity, voluntary organisation, self-help group, or non-profit making concern, we are in need
of donations to our cause. We are seeking financial contributions of any amount (and donations of time,
expertise, admin, etc.) We do not ask for much, nor do we request a monthly contribution . . . we simply
allow you to determine whether or not you wish to give, and how much that will be.
(For a rough idea, think in terms of £1.)
of donations to our cause. We are seeking financial contributions of any amount (and donations of time,
expertise, admin, etc.) We do not ask for much, nor do we request a monthly contribution . . . we simply
allow you to determine whether or not you wish to give, and how much that will be.
(For a rough idea, think in terms of £1.)
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For more details about our organisation, or if you have questions regarding
our practices or aims/objectives, please email the director at:
[email protected]
Mike David
Director
For more details about our organisation, or if you have questions regarding
our practices or aims/objectives, please email the director at:
[email protected]
Mike David
Director