Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]

ACROSS AMERICA — Readers flipped our Block Talk question on what to do about neighbors whose dogs bark and roosters crow to the detriment of peace and quiet in the neighborhood.

“It’s more about what you do if you have a pet that has become a nuisance,” said Lori, a Lindenhurst (New York) Patch reader. “Having an animal is like having a child; there’s responsibility involved and work to find solutions quickly, so everyone can enjoy the sanctuary of their home.”

Finding a solution depends on clear, unemotional conversations between neighbors, she said.

“If you’re lucky, your neighbor will ask you to watch your animals and clearly define the issues,” Lori said. “If there is no action to fix the problem, the next step is a formal complaint.”

“Animals aren’t a nuisance, people are,” said Patch reader Fred.

Riverhead (New York) Patch reader Dona doesn’t quite buy that, but avoids direct confrontation with her neighbors.

“Blow a whistle, scream ‘shut up,’ throw something over the fence for them, post on Facebook — that worked best, although they don’t speak to us much since,” Dona said, using the “woman shrugging” emoticon.

The dogs may calm down now that fall has arrived. “I feel they’re barking a lot more in the summer when neighbors are playing in their pools,” Dona said.

‘Deal With It’

Most of the readers answering our informal survey don’t see a problem with noisy animals.

“Deal with it,” said a Doylestown (Pennsylvania) Patch reader.

Crystal Lake-Cary (Illinois) Patch reader Julia is similarly unfazed.

“I close my windows and turn on some music or a TV show,” Julia said.

“Mind your business,” said Long Islander Steve, who reads Patchogue Patch and East Islip Patch. “We should be allowed to keep more animals for the amount we pay in taxes.”

North Fork (New York) Patch reader Elizabeth said her neighbors’ noisy animals aren’t a problem at all.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” Elizabeth said. “I can’t hear them over the noise my own dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, roosters, goats and sheep are making.”

‘The Sound Of People Living’

“That’s the sound of people living their lives,” said Northport (New York) Patch reader Peter. “If someone’s dogs are really rising to the level of a nuisance, talk to them like a rational human being. Nine times out of 10, you can solve your problems without involving the police or a lawyer.”

Peter isn’t at all down with banning roosters, something some jurisdictions have done to resolve neighborhood issues. Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster, but that isn’t the point, Peter said.

Roosters protect the flock, he said. Without them, hens are slaughtered by coyote, foxes, hawks and other predators.

“The only reason roosters are banned is because people complain, and people complain because they don’t know how to live in a community,” he said. “Living in a community means letting other people live their lives while you live your own.”

“If dogs are barking incessantly, sure, talk to the neighbors,” said Across America Patch reader Blake. “If that doesn't work, call animal control.”

‘Don’t Sit Around And Bellyache’

As for other animals, there’s not much someone with backyard chickens or other animals can do to control their noises, Blake said.

“Roosters are gonna crow, and if it bothers you that much, go down to city hall and ask the people you elected to ban roosters in backyard chicken ordinances,” Blake said. “Don’t just sit around and bellyache about it and alienate your neighbors.”

He added: “We like that our neighbors have chickens because they share the eggs, We’re early risers, so their rooster doesn't bother us.”

Lori, the Lindenhurst Patch reader, said most of the suburbs near her Long Island village have banned “peacocks and roosters that make crazy noises.”

“Noise and cleanliness are the factors that affect others,” she said.

Another reader thinks ordinances limiting the number of animals people can keep on their property is fine.

“If I wanted to live on a farm, I would have,” said the person, whose town ordinances ban roosters, but allow chickens on 1-acre or greater lots. The chickens have to be registered. “There should always be rules and ordinances and codes,” the reader said.

Cats Are A Bigger Problem

Blake, the Across America Patch reader, would rather chase cats.

“The stray cat population is growing exponentially in my neighborhood. It’s a bigger problem,” Blake said. “In the spring and summer when we have our windows open, the screaming and yowling sounds like a cat massacre is going on outside. My wife and I joke there will be a kindle of kittens (because we think that term sounds sweeter than the more accurate ‘feline terrorists’) in the neighborhood in a couple of months and, sadly, fewer songbirds.”

• Previously in Block Talk: The Poop On Free-Range Cats — And Your Lawn And Garden

Blake said his neighbors could help out by not feeding stray cats, and also that his community needs a TNR — trap, neuter, release — program.

Medford (New York) Patch reader Rita would rather chase traffic.

“I would welcome crowing roosters and barking dogs over the constant highway noise on Mill Road in Medford,” Rita said. “This was supposed to be a winding country road. Instead, we have Mack trucks, 18-wheelers, ATVs, racing motorcycles and sports cars, loud mufflers, loud engines and ignorant, inconsiderate drivers and neighbors.

“I never expected this!” Rita said.

Silence Fireworks And Guns

Manassas (Virginia) Patch reader Vikke silencing fireworks and guns is more important than worrying about noisy animals.

“I wish fireworks of any kind were illegal, and also firing guns,” Vikke said. “These are more disruptive than animal sounds.”

Herndon (Virginia) Patch reader A. said noisy animals have “never really been a problem.”

“People walking dogs and not cleaning up after them is a problem,” the reader said.

• Previously in Block Talk: When Dog Walkers Don’t Bag Poop, What Should You Do?

“Animals are nature,” said Fairfield (Connecticut) Patch reader Muriel. “Gas powered lawn tools are not. I’ll trade a Weedwacker or lawn mower for a barking dog or crowing rooster any time.”

• Previously in Block Talk: How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend?

R.J., a Deer Park-North Babylon (New York) Patch reader, is annoyed by noisy animals but doesn’t get up in the neighbor’s face about it.

“I complain to myself and hope my neighbor loses his house to foreclosure,” R.J. said.

About Block Talk

Block Talk is an exclusive Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.

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