NSW: Q&A Keeping Pets in a Strata Building

Question: Dogs at our complex yap for hours. The noise is driving me crazy but I’m not sure what I can do. Can you help?

I live in a very large Strata unit complex. There is an overload of dogs here – almost like a Canine Hotel – but all in all they are well mannered, however, there are that sometimes bark and yap for up to 5 hours at a time.

I find it to be very stressful but I am not sure what I can do. I have emailed the building manager on several occasions and I plan to speak with him in person. I am sure he has a large workload but these barking dogs are driving me crazy.

We also have problems with residents who don’t clean up after their dogs and the dogs that go to the toilet on patios. Not exactly hygienic for anyone in the building.

Answer: Should you wish to take the matter further, you could attempt mediation and then make an Application for Orders through NCAT.

Usually the strata by-laws would regulate matters such as odours and endless barking and clearly, the barking is causing you a nuisance.

Should you wish to take the matter further, you could attempt mediation and then make an Application for Orders through NCAT:

158 Order for removal of an animal permitted under by-laws

1. The Tribunal may, on application by an interested person, make an order against a person who is keeping an animal on a lot or common property in accordance with the by-laws for a strata scheme, if the Tribunal considers that the animal causes a nuisance or hazard to the owner or occupier of another lot or unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of another lot or of the common property.
2. The Tribunal may order that the person:
   1. (a) cause the animal to be removed from the parcel within a specified time, and be kept away from the parcel, or
   2. (b) within a time specified in the order, take such action as, in the opinion of the Tribunal, will terminate the nuisance or hazard or unreasonable interference.

Alternatively, you could speak to the neighbours (they might not be aware) or make contact with your local council for advice and which may issue a nuisance order (and attracts penalties for non-compliance), or, you could seek a noise abatement order from your local court.

For the full question and our detailed response, visit the original publication at Look Up Strata.

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