“The Problem with Dogs . . .”
(NB: Whilst this editorial concerns itself chiefly with the problems faced by sufferers in respect of dogs -
both behaviour, and barking - some of the following can be associated with other forms of noise abuse.)
Introduction
(NB: Whilst this editorial concerns itself chiefly with the problems faced by sufferers in respect of dogs -
both behaviour, and barking - some of the following can be associated with other forms of noise abuse.)
Introduction
When viewing the available information regarding noise nuisance, one can immediately see a trend beginning to form. Noise nuisance is considered by some to be a modern occurrence; one which was not tolerated in times long past. Indeed, quite apart from the increase in national noise levels due to the industrial revolution - when loud machinery began to influence the national soundscape - it could be said that noise levels (especially within inner cities and outer suburbia) have trebled, even quadrupled in some places, since the mid to late-eighties; this would have coincided with the advent of the “pump up the volume” and “ghetto blaster” generations. It has become quite commonplace to hear the cacophony of sound emanating from inside cars, at such a volume as to make one concerned for the welfare of any child within such an environment.
And yet, one of the most insidious forms of noise abuse (and one which appears to have little or no authoritative control) is the sound of a barking dog. Whilst one can accept the horrendous displeasure one might feel at hearing loud music until all hours of the night, or that which invades the local soundscape via car music systems, most people are oblivious to the pain and suffering experienced by some due to the simple noise of a dog barking; unless they, themselves, have experienced such pain. However, the author would like to point out that the sound of a dog barking is not a simple matter – as you will discover as you read further.
In the past, a barking dog was not as much an issue as it is today. Decades, even centuries, ago people lived so far apart that it did not matter as much. And yet, in the words of Dr Craig Mixon at barkingdogs.net, “the concern about barking has grown with the awareness of how dangerous and destructive it is to force-feed noise into someone's home.”
Many sufferers had already lived in a house for years (much like the author) without encountering bad neighbours. You could argue, as some have, that anyone who allows their dog to bark incessantly at all times of the day and night may well be your neighbour, but they are a long way from being your friend. And some owners have other bad habits; brought about by inexperience in animal control, or lack of training, or plain ordinary indifference. However, these attributes will be referred to in the appropriate section below.
As has also been pointed out by a few sufferers, there are too many people who own too many dogs. It is not uncommon for a single person or couple or family to own six or seven dogs; which would lead the author to wonder (as do the sufferers) just exactly how many dogs these people need to own. In America around three million dogs are euthanized each year simply because there are too many. The overpopulation and the promotion of adoption to get rid of the excess numbers are major reasons why our neighbourhoods are saturated with dogs. It has been suggested that required neutering would be a major step towards reducing those numbers. In the UK, in 2009, Battersea Dogs Home put down 2815 dogs, and the RSPCA destroyed 3000 healthy dogs. In fact both the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs Home, together with the Metropolitan Police, want the Government to issue dog licences. The Government, however, remains unconvinced. But as you will read further on, some sufferers do not see a simple dog licence as being able to exercise sufficient control over bad dog owners unless the licence is issued along with a ‘contract of care’.
In reference to dog owners in general, the author would like to draw your attention to the late British dog expert, Barbara Woodhouse, who said, "There is no such thing as a difficult dog, only an inexperienced owner." Inexperienced, indifferent, lazy, unsociable, or just plain nasty, most sufferers do not care as to the reasons why an owner does not control their dog or care for it in the proper manner, only that they do.
One sufferer even pointed out the obvious alternative to owning a dog as a pet when living in a residential area: “Cats are seldom annoying. They don't bark. They don't run in packs and attack people on the street. Cats aren't a potential danger to the mental and physical health of the neighbours.” Another said, “A child’s eyes would light up just as much, if not more so, at the sight of a small kitten than the sight of a small puppy. And when you consider that the kitten/cat can still be played with inside the house, the solution seems far more equitable. To which could be added the enormous saving in food and cleaning bills in the ownership of a large dog. On the health side, cats always cover their droppings after doing their business - dogs rely on their owners to do this.”
But they are just two people’s opinion and not a subject for future discussion. Suffice to say, there are many pets which are both quieter and simpler to take care of than dogs; gerbils, hamsters, lizards, boa constrictors . . . you get the picture.
The propensity for dog ownership does not lie solely with the state, or the nation’s populace. The media plays its part only too well. Indeed, in reference to the previous subject of euthanasia, the media tends to engender sympathy for the euthanizing of dogs and yet fails to take into account that every year in America more than twice as many cats are euthanized than dogs. In general the media is ignorant of the nuisance dogs can be; they, as most people, see dogs as little “fluffy things” which need to be taken in - yet not necessarily looked after. The media is owned by too few organisations and, as such, promote their particular bias; namely pro-canine stories. They anthropomorphize dog behaviour; e.g. “My dog saved my life!” From the media’s perspective, as from most people’s, the dog has gained the status of personhood and family members and now receives the same sympathetic reaction as children do.
To quote one sufferer: “Dogs have become our national sacred cow.”
And, in the opinion of the administrator at barkingdogs.net, “the dog industries can be blamed for that.”
And yet, one of the most insidious forms of noise abuse (and one which appears to have little or no authoritative control) is the sound of a barking dog. Whilst one can accept the horrendous displeasure one might feel at hearing loud music until all hours of the night, or that which invades the local soundscape via car music systems, most people are oblivious to the pain and suffering experienced by some due to the simple noise of a dog barking; unless they, themselves, have experienced such pain. However, the author would like to point out that the sound of a dog barking is not a simple matter – as you will discover as you read further.
In the past, a barking dog was not as much an issue as it is today. Decades, even centuries, ago people lived so far apart that it did not matter as much. And yet, in the words of Dr Craig Mixon at barkingdogs.net, “the concern about barking has grown with the awareness of how dangerous and destructive it is to force-feed noise into someone's home.”
Many sufferers had already lived in a house for years (much like the author) without encountering bad neighbours. You could argue, as some have, that anyone who allows their dog to bark incessantly at all times of the day and night may well be your neighbour, but they are a long way from being your friend. And some owners have other bad habits; brought about by inexperience in animal control, or lack of training, or plain ordinary indifference. However, these attributes will be referred to in the appropriate section below.
As has also been pointed out by a few sufferers, there are too many people who own too many dogs. It is not uncommon for a single person or couple or family to own six or seven dogs; which would lead the author to wonder (as do the sufferers) just exactly how many dogs these people need to own. In America around three million dogs are euthanized each year simply because there are too many. The overpopulation and the promotion of adoption to get rid of the excess numbers are major reasons why our neighbourhoods are saturated with dogs. It has been suggested that required neutering would be a major step towards reducing those numbers. In the UK, in 2009, Battersea Dogs Home put down 2815 dogs, and the RSPCA destroyed 3000 healthy dogs. In fact both the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs Home, together with the Metropolitan Police, want the Government to issue dog licences. The Government, however, remains unconvinced. But as you will read further on, some sufferers do not see a simple dog licence as being able to exercise sufficient control over bad dog owners unless the licence is issued along with a ‘contract of care’.
In reference to dog owners in general, the author would like to draw your attention to the late British dog expert, Barbara Woodhouse, who said, "There is no such thing as a difficult dog, only an inexperienced owner." Inexperienced, indifferent, lazy, unsociable, or just plain nasty, most sufferers do not care as to the reasons why an owner does not control their dog or care for it in the proper manner, only that they do.
One sufferer even pointed out the obvious alternative to owning a dog as a pet when living in a residential area: “Cats are seldom annoying. They don't bark. They don't run in packs and attack people on the street. Cats aren't a potential danger to the mental and physical health of the neighbours.” Another said, “A child’s eyes would light up just as much, if not more so, at the sight of a small kitten than the sight of a small puppy. And when you consider that the kitten/cat can still be played with inside the house, the solution seems far more equitable. To which could be added the enormous saving in food and cleaning bills in the ownership of a large dog. On the health side, cats always cover their droppings after doing their business - dogs rely on their owners to do this.”
But they are just two people’s opinion and not a subject for future discussion. Suffice to say, there are many pets which are both quieter and simpler to take care of than dogs; gerbils, hamsters, lizards, boa constrictors . . . you get the picture.
The propensity for dog ownership does not lie solely with the state, or the nation’s populace. The media plays its part only too well. Indeed, in reference to the previous subject of euthanasia, the media tends to engender sympathy for the euthanizing of dogs and yet fails to take into account that every year in America more than twice as many cats are euthanized than dogs. In general the media is ignorant of the nuisance dogs can be; they, as most people, see dogs as little “fluffy things” which need to be taken in - yet not necessarily looked after. The media is owned by too few organisations and, as such, promote their particular bias; namely pro-canine stories. They anthropomorphize dog behaviour; e.g. “My dog saved my life!” From the media’s perspective, as from most people’s, the dog has gained the status of personhood and family members and now receives the same sympathetic reaction as children do.
To quote one sufferer: “Dogs have become our national sacred cow.”
And, in the opinion of the administrator at barkingdogs.net, “the dog industries can be blamed for that.”
For other pages in the Editorial please click on the links below:
Dogs & Owners Authorities & Courts Sufferers/Victims Health Conclusions
Dogs & Owners Authorities & Courts Sufferers/Victims Health Conclusions