Laguna Niguel Pet Owners Could Face Fines Over Excessive Dog Barking

Pet owners know that living with man’s best friend does not come without a hefty price. Dog owners must pay for a number of items to keep their dogs healthy and happy. Now, owning a dog may soon put another dent in the wallet.

Pet owners may soon be facing fines if they cannot keep their dogs' barking under control.  

On Tuesday night, the Laguna Niguel City Council considered adopting a program to address barking-dog complaints similar to Aliso Viejo's and Mission Viejo’s policies.

“A dog-barking ordinance is something that is important,” said Councilman Paul Glaab. “If they are creating problems and issues for their neighbors, it needs to be handled.”

The current Laguna Niguel ordinance does not impose a citation after someone complains about a neighbor's excessively barking dog. Rather, it is recommended that the two parties attend a meditation session to find a solution to the problem.

Four Laguna Niguel residents testified before the council to ask for a better ordinance.

“I have tried to do the nice thing to go to his house and talk to him," said Tony Moreno of Laguna Niguel, referring to a neighbor he had a problem with. "He has done nothing. I contacted animal control and took all of the necessary steps against him, but still he leaves his dogs out barking all day and night. Can you please give them the teeth to do something so we can get some sleep at night and work done during the day?”

Gail DeYoung, Mission Viejo Animal Shelter manager, explained to the council how the Mission Viejo ordinance is working for its city.

“Our approach is to educate people on the proper care of their animals and pet responsibilities,” DeYoung said. “Most barking complaints are resolved with a letter explaining the cost if the barking continues. We have never issued an owner more than one citation.”

Both Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo use a three-step process for issuing a citation. This is how the Mission Viejo's works:

• First complaint:  A letter is sent to the owner of the dog.
• Second complaint: An animal services officer is dispatched to the residence to issue a notice of complaint and educate the owner about possible solutions to keep the dog from excessively barking.
• Third complaint: Animal services collects witness statements from the complainant and two additional witnesses. Once receiving the complaints, the department issues a citation for $300.

Earl Higgins of Laguna Niguel explained why he supported a process like that of Mission Viejo.

“It is cruel for a dog to be barking until 2 in the morning. The dog is very stressed, and it keeps us awake for very long hours,” Higgins said.