Legal Question in Environmental Law in Michigan

My neighbors have complained to animal control that my dogs bark too much. The 2 neighbors on the right of me are related to each other, ad have been rude and harassing since I moved in 1 1/2 years ago. My dogs are fenced in, never outside when I'm not home, and when they bark I immediate bring them inside. They never bark for more than 2-3 minutes at a time while outside because I bring them in. Animal control said it's a valid complaint because more than one neighbor has complained and they have done it multiple times. The neighbors dogs are not fences or leashed and they are on my property a lot deficating. They also have noisy chickens that roam on my property. I always ignore the neighbors when they are cussing me out and go back inside. I have never compained about thier animals. I have done everything I can to avoid the conflict with them. I do not let my dogs stay outside barking all day.

I live in Cass county Michigan.

What are my options at this point to stop the false complaints and harassment?


Asked on 9/21/10, 4:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

You can teach your dogs not to bark by using a noise making device that distracts them. These are available on line or in pet stores, and can be placed outside where your dogs are barking. They are inaudible to humans. Another solution is to put a shock collar on both dogs that gets their attention every time they bark. This will stop your dogs from barking and disturbing your neighbors.

Next, buy a video recorder. When the neighbors' dogs or chickens are on your property, record this. Then contact the Animal Control, and have them come to see your video, so that Animal Control will deal with your neighbors. This will stop the neighbors' animals from disturbing you.

If the neighbors continue to file "false" complaints, meaning that your dogs are no longer barking, but the neighbors nevertheless are claiming that your dogs are barking, then hire an attorney to file suit against them. But, be prepared that they may have recordings of your dogs barking, if they are still barking because you have failed to take remedial action.

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Answered on 9/27/10, 8:07 am


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