Barking Dogs in Viroqua and elsewhereBy Edward Barlow, Section Opinions
Dogs make wonderful pets and can be a joy to have around. However, there is one dog issue that can be quite stressful to others - and that is barking. There is nothing more aggravating, stressful, and nerve wracking than listening to a dog's chronic barking, howling, and/or whining for hours on end - and especially into the night.
See full story for more and a poll to see if people think this is a problem. Haven't had a poll in a long time, so we will give it a try--you don't have to log in to be able to vote.
As I travel around Viroqua (and other places) I notice many "chronically" barking dogs. Also I hear other people complaining about this. Several years ago, I had "issues" with the chronic barking of two neighborhood dogs (beagles) - and it was quite stressful.
Typically the dog is on a "short leash" tied to a post, fence, front porch or dog house. Sometimes the dog may be in a backyard fenced off area constructed "just for the dog". However, the area is in the midst of several backyards. Many times, so it seems, the dog owner goes to work, shopping, or where ever and leaves the dog tied up and continuously barking and howling for hours until they return. Dogs bark because they are distressed, angry, or hurt. Leaving a dog to bark incessantly is certainly a form of cruelty. Further, it "seems" that dog owners aren't aware that "barking dogs" can be very aggravating, nerve wracking, and stressful to their neighbors, or pedestrians who may be walking by. For many people it is difficult to talk to the dog owner regarding the chronic barking. When confronted, some dog owners can get quite belligerent. Some simply ignore the complaint, and others say, "What do you expect? That is what dogs do - bark!" Some will say the dog barks because he/she is a "watchdog" and barks at every moving object. Viroqua town ordnance (6.04.090)(see below) states that a barking dog is considered to be "Disturbing the Peace", and also a "Public Nuisance". A call to the Police Department should be able to remedy this. However, this can lead to an angry dog owner and the future antagonisms and hard feelings that may go with it. Is there anything that the City Council can do to make the "disturbing the peace" and "public nuisance" ordinance more user-friendly or enforceable? Or is there a way dog owners can be made more aware of their responsibility to prevent chronic barking? Hopefully this letter is written in a "positive" spirit. Dogs and other pets are a great part of our culture; and many dog owners certainly have the barking problem under control. And also one can certainly "complain" about other noises - such as traffic.
Viroqua Town Ordinance (6.04.090. Disturbing the peace. |
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