Neighbor's Dog Barks Loudly: What to Do?

Yuri Kryukov, an expert and lawyer, runs his blog on Instagram @vkursedela about the rights of apartment owners and co-owners. A dog barks constantly in the building. What to do?

File a written complaint with the police officer (but first you'll have to measure the noise level). If the dog barks during quiet hours, call the police.

Check quiet hours in your region as they may differ. For example, in Moscow, noise is not allowed from 23:00 to 8:00 on weekdays, from 22:00 to 10:00 on weekends, and daily from 13:00 to 15:00.

What is the acceptable noise level?

According to the 'Law on Quiet,' the maximum noise level in a multi-apartment building is up to 55 decibels. For comparison, such noise is made by a passing car outside the window.

A dog's bark can reach from 70 to 130 decibels. Just imagine: sounds above 70 decibels are already dangerous for health. So, you'll have to negotiate with loud neighbors.

Who can measure the noise level?

Commercial organizations with accreditation (we called Rosпотребнадзор but they refused to provide the service). Specialists will come to your home, take measurements, and prepare a report. Attach it to your complaint to the police officer.

Average cost of the service in Moscow: from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Important: if the dog does not bark for half an hour, the specialists will leave and charge you full price.

Can I measure it myself?

Yes, you can download an app on your smartphone and make a small adjustment for minor inaccuracies. But this is not the best option: you won't be able to use the result as evidence in court.

Should I call the police if the neighbor doesn't open the door?

Yes! The police will always record the noise incident and prepare a report.

The complaint is already written. Do such cases get resolved in court?

Certainly. You can file a lawsuit for moral damages and even claim the cost of expert examination.

In addition, the court will require the dog owner to take measures to eliminate the noise.

What documents are needed in court?

• A complaint with your demands.
• A decision on administrative liability from the police officer.
• Receipt of payment for state fee.
• A copy of all documents sent to the defendant by the court.

Important: bring witnesses — it's never a bad idea.

What punishment awaits the dog owner?

• The police officer will give a verbal warning.
• On a repeat offense, they will issue a fine. The amount depends on the region; for example, in Moscow it is 1,000–2,000 rubles.
• Compensation (only upon filing a lawsuit).

What if he refuses to pay compensation?

Then the case is handed over to bailiffs. If the neighbor does not take steps to eliminate the noise, they will be held criminally liable.