The authorities were baffled by complaints about noise pollution due to barking dogs

Repeated complaints by a Baner resident about noise pollution caused by barking dogs in the area and demands for strong action in the matter have left the authorities, including the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), baffled as what can be done a senior MPCB official said.

Recently, the applicant wrote an email to the MPCB and other authorities, providing details of the noise created by the barking of the dog on December 11. The data highlighted that the noise generated exceeded the permissible limit, the citizen claimed, and demanded drastic action, failing which he would be forced to register a complaint with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Responding to an email from Hindustan Times, the petitioner said, “The impact of noise pollution from barking dogs/animal sounds (biological loudspeakers) on humans is the same as other forms of noise. When dogs bark, saliva is sprayed into the air at a very high speed, spreading dog allergens in the air. Both noise and allergens are harmful to human health. In addition, the dog’s loudest bark was 113.1 decibels (dB). The noise level from a barking dog can range from 80 to 90 dB depending on the breed and the individual dog. A group of barking dogs can quickly exceed the noise threshold of an area. Failure to resolve this issue by the authorities is a violation of the legislation, which has caused damage to residents. Therefore, measures should also be taken against such officials who neglect this issue.”

A senior MPCB official, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Every day we receive such complaints from citizens. As for this particular complainant, we have received multiple emails demanding strong action against barking dogs. Although the complaint is genuine and people can complain to the relevant authorities, we have no idea what action can be taken in such cases.”

In the absence of clear guidelines for action against barking dogs, neither the MPCB nor other government bodies are able to take action on the matter.

While Mangesh Dighe, PMC environmental conservator, said, “As of now, I have not come across any such complaint, but there is no direction to take action against the noise caused by dog ​​barking. There are guidelines in place to deal with issues such as dog bites and dog population control, but noise issues from barking dogs is something that needs to be analysed.’

Mahesh Bolkotagi, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baner said, “So far we have not received any complaint in this regard.”

Asha Ambekar, founder of Pune-based animal welfare organization Shashwat Foundation, said, “Barking is a very common expression for dogs to express themselves through barking. There are several reasons why dogs bark. This can be due to hunger or health problems, and sometimes even anxiety can be the cause, especially in the case of a pet dog. The root cause of dog barking should be determined, after which the easiest solution to the problem can be found. Regarding the large number of stray dogs barking in a particular area, there may be various aspects that need to be analyzed. Starvation can be the main reason, and the lack of proper feeding places leads to the formation of large packs of dogs. Territorial battles can also be the reason for this. In this case, providing enough feeding points and limiting swarming can be a good solution to this problem. Waste disposal is also an important aspect, as dogs are usually found in places where a lot of waste is thrown out into the open.”

“Currently, there are no relevant guidelines for noise pollution due to barking dogs. However, we as humans should not be so mean to these dogs. We have to accept that other beings also live in this world and we have to be tolerant towards them,” said Ambekar.

Anti-barking measures generally include spaying and neutering programs to help reduce the stray population.