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ToggleDogs are a man’s best friend for many people in Arizona and the nation. It is always important, though, as a dog owner that you keep control of your pet and follow the laws set up to protect the public. Laws for dog-at-large and aggressive dogs require a pet owner to be in control of his or her pet or face fines and other penalties.
A barking dog is a nuisance for neighbors and can result in fines and legal action.
Tips to silence a barking dog
The City of Phoenix classifies a habitually barking or howling dog to be a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The penalty range for this infraction includes up to 3 years unsupervised probation, up to $2,500 in fines and up to 180 days in jail. If your dog is disturbing someone’s peace, it is your legal responsibility to take action to stop the barking. While this may be easier said than done, the City of Phoenix provides helpful tips to silence a dog, including the following:
- Avoid leaving a dog alone for long periods
- Consider a bark collar or muzzle
- Work on training your dog
- Consult with a veterinarian
Steps for filing a complaint
According to the City of Phoenix, a person who wishes to file a criminal complaint against the owner of a barking dog should talk to the owner first, and then move on to mediation. If these initial steps do not quell the problem, the complainant may then fill out a petition form. This form should document the problem and include signatures of witnesses. The complainant may have to appear in court and testify before a judge.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
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Practice areas
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Tempe
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Lake Havasu City
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Apache Junction
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Parker