In the TV comedy Seinfeld, one hilarious episode had Elaine, who was at her wit's end, resorting to kidnapping a neighbour's barking dog and leaving it at a farm.
The ill-hatched plan involving Newman and Kramer backfired, obviously, and was good for a few laughs.
However, in real life, there's nothing funny about having to put up with a dog barking nonstop thanks to an inconsiderate or unaware neighbour.
Delta Community Animal Shelter manager Sarah Jones said they've seen a big increase in barking dog complaints with over 90 so far this year, including four calls in one day last week. Jones said it seems directly correlated to the early onset of nice weather and people leaving their dogs outside when they go to work or are out for the day.
"They are doing it in a kind hearted manner as they think their dog is happier outside but what they are not realizing is that their dog is actually bored away from their usual routine, toys, beds, water bowl, etcetera inside the den (the home) and is acting out to get attention and entertain themselves.
"This behaviour of filling the time and barking at passersby, squirrels, unusual sounds and other dogs has a negative effect on not just the neighbourhood, that is forced to listen, but on the dog's overall behaviour and anxiety," Jones said.
She said most people don't realize their dog has been noisy when they come home and a neighbour communicating directly about the issue can often curb the problem, but sometimes it doesn't fix it, which means animal control has to get involved.
Fines can be laid if they can collect evidence but animal control officers start by trying to educate dog owners.
Providing dogs with other ways to make them happy during the day is important, said Jones, adding most people want to be good pet owners and they think their pet is happier outside, but more often than not, that isn't the case.
As far as fining a dog owner, who could face a $100 ticket per offence, Jones said a noise disturbance needs to be corroborated by another neighbour or by an animal control, bylaw or police officer.
"We usually will provide education first as most people don't even know their dog is disturbing someone and that is enough to curb the problem. But there are cases that are chronic, unfortunately," she said.
