Barking dogs in France: when noise becomes a nuisance and how to take action
There are nearly 7 million dogs in France and their barking is a common problem
Loud animals can be reported if necessary
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Given that there are nearly 7 million dogs in France, it is possible that barking may pose a nuisance for you at some point. But what qualifies as ‘unduly noisy’?
According to the department of health, daytime noise (between 07:00 and 22:00) must not increase ambient sound levels by more than five decibels; night-time noise (from 22:00 to 07:00) by more than three.
Even without measuring decibels, a barking dog is deemed a nuisance sonore (noise nuisance) if it lasts for a long time (every day), is repetitive (it barks every time the owner is out) or is too intense (loud barking or howling). In other words, once the noise from a barking dog starts to affect the daily life of neighbours, it needs to be addressed.
The issue is covered by the Code de la santé publique (Article 1336-5): “No particular noise shall, by its duration, repetition or intensity, disturb the peace of the neighbourhood or the health of human beings, in a public or private place, whether caused by a person themselves or through a person, an object in their care or an animal under their responsibility.”
It is worth noting that if a dog barks during the night, this is considered a disturbance of the peace (du tapage nocturne), even if the barking is not repetitive or intense and does not last for a long time.
What steps can I take?
To begin with, you might want to talk to other neighbours to see if they are also affected by the noise. Next, approach your neighbour in the hope of reaching an amicable solution; bear in mind that they might not even realise their dog is creating a problem.
If you are not able to talk to them or feel unable to do so, you could write a simple note and put it in their letterbox, explaining the situation and asking them to find a solution.
If the neighbour takes no action within two weeks, send a formal notice (mise en demeure) by recorded delivery.
This allows you to formally request that the dog owner put an end to the neighbourhood disturbance. It is also valuable proof should you need to obtain a court order to stop the noise if the owner does not respond.
Involving the authorities
If direct contact fails, the next step is to approach a conciliateur de justice, an impartial adviser who will attempt to find an amicable solution through mediation.
Should a solution prove impossible, contact a huissier/commissaire de justice. These are independent legal professionals, similar to enforcement officers or court officials, who can record evidence, serve documents, and enforce civil court decisions.
Reporting the situation to the police should only be done if the noise is late at night, if the situation involves threats, aggression, or violence that you fear may escalate, if there is illegal activity, or if there is a danger to people or animals.
The police can come to the scene, tell the person to stop the disturbance, issue an on-the-spot fine, and write a procès-verbal (PV) official report, which becomes evidence
The last resort is to file a complaint (porter plainte) and initiate legal proceedings. The dog owner can be fined up to €450 and can be ordered to soundproof their house or even have their dog confiscated.
Thankfully, cases rarely get to this stage in order for neighbours to stay on friendly terms.
