Barking and Dagenham has lived up to its name — by recording more complaints about noisy dogs than any other London borough since 2020.
Freedom of information data show that the council has received 2,239 complaints in that time, more than two-and-a-half times the total in neighbouring Havering (884) and around 60 times as many as Newham (37).
Southwark was the second-worst borough for noisy dogs with 2,144 complaints, while the City of London recorded just six.
Barking and Dagenham Council has its own “noise service” team, which investigates nuisance reports including barking dogs, loud music, parties, alarms, and noisy repairs.
Earlier this year, the council took legal action against a Dagenham resident after repeated complaints from neighbours. Syed Uzeir Iqbal, who was using his terraced house to kennel security dogs, was fined almost £2,000 after being found guilty of failing to abate a statutory nuisance.
Nationally, the data revealed a clear north-south divide, with Yorkshire and the North East generating the highest number of complaints. Durham County Council topped the table with 7,757 complaints, followed by Doncaster (4,769) and Kirklees (4,342).
Large urban areas were also hotspots, including Liverpool (1,960 complaints), Coventry (1,963) and Leicester (1,564). The Council of the Isles of Scilly was the only authority to report no complaints at all.
The figures were compiled by Puppies.co.uk, the UK’s largest online marketplace for buying and selling dogs and puppies. The company said there are different types of barking and encouraged owners to recognise the causes.
A spokesman said: “If your dog barks when you’re not at home, it may be a sign of distress at being left alone. This can quickly lead to problems with neighbours if it happens regularly.
“You shouldn’t leave your dog alone for hours on end. After all, they need opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people.”
He added that barking can also mean dogs are excited, fearful, bored or protecting their territory.
“Barking may be a response to fear, such as being approached by another dog or person, or even feeling trapped without a way to escape,” he said. “These barks are usually deeper, sometimes with a growl. You can help by introducing your dog to new people and pets slowly in calm settings, and by giving praise when your dog stays relaxed.
“Whether it’s the postman delivering your letters or someone simply walking past your house, some dogs may bark to protect their territory. Understandably, this can be frustrating. But the good news is you can reduce this type of barking by using treats or toys to distract your dog or sending them to another area of the house when someone approaches.
“Dogs are intelligent and active animals. If they don’t get enough stimulation, they may bark out of boredom. Just like children, when they don’t have enough to do, they may make noise about it. Regular exercise, a variety of toys, and activities can help keep them entertained.
“It’s important to remember that not all barking is negative. In some cases, it’s simply excitement. A high-pitched bark with a wagging tail usually means your dog is happy.”
