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 constantly barks in the building. What can be done?

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

Check quiet hours for your region, as they may vary. For example, in Moscow, noise is prohibited from 23:00 to 8:00 on weekdays, from 22:00 to 10:00 on weekends, and from 13:00 to 15:00 daily.

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, this is the sound of a passing car outside a window.

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

Who can measure the noise level?

Commercial organizations with accreditation (we called Rosconsumnadzor, but they refused to provide the service). Specialists will come to your home, take measurements, and prepare an official 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 doesn't bark for half an hour, the specialists will leave and charge you the full cost.

Can you measure it yourself?

Yes, you can download an app on your smartphone and make a small correction for measurement error. But it's not the best option: you won't be able to use the result as evidence in court.

Should you call the police if a neighbor won't open the door?

Yes! The police will always record the fact of noise and prepare an official report.

The complaint is already written. Do courts handle such cases?

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

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 to hold the officer administratively liable.
• Receipt for state fee payment.
• Copies of all documents sent to the defendant by the court.

Important: Involve 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, a fine will be issued. The amount depends on the region; for example, in Moscow it’s from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles.
• Compensation (only when filing a lawsuit).

What if the owner refuses to pay compensation?

The case will be handed over to bailiffs. If the neighbor doesn't take steps to stop the noise, they may be held criminally liable.