Neighboring Dog Barks Loudly: What to Do?

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

File a written complaint with the local police officer (but first, you must 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 not allowed from 23:00 to 8:00 on weekdays, from 22:00 to 10:00 on weekends, and from 13:00 to 15:00 every day.

What is the acceptable noise level?

According to the 'Law on Quiet,' the allowable noise level in a multi-apartment building is up to 55 decibels. For comparison, this is the noise level of a car passing by the window.

A dog's bark can reach between 70 and 130 decibels. Just imagine: sounds above 70 decibels are already dangerous to your health. So, you will have to negotiate with noisy 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 draw up a report. Attach it to the complaint to the local 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 the full cost.

Can I measure it myself?

Yes, you can download an app on your smartphone and make a small correction for minor inaccuracies. But it's 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 fact of noise and draw up a report.

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

Certainly. You can file a lawsuit for moral damages and even recover 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 to hold the local police officer administratively responsible.
• Receipt for payment of state fee.
• 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 local 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 to 2,000 rubles.
• Compensation (only when filing a lawsuit).

And 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 responsible.