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Ask NOW: What are the rules for leaving a dog outside?

Jan. 3, 2012 | 3 comments

Is there a rumor you've heard you would like to track down? Is there something in the community that needs to get fixed? Mary Malahy answers some of the mysteries of life in the Elmbrook area.

What are the rules for leaving a dog outside?

Issue: The reader-submitted question this week is whether there is a rule against leaving dogs unattended outside for long periods of time. One curious reader said she understands that dogs need to be let out but she wonders if there is a limit to how long the animals can stay in the yard and whether they have to be brought inside if they are barking loudly.

Status: Municipal code states that residents cannot own a dog or cat which "by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking, meowing or otherwise shall cause serious annoyance or disturbance to two persons, each of whom lives in a separate residence," according to ordinance 6.08.020 (c). Complaints may be based on observation by an on-duty police officer as well.

City of Brookfield police officer Steve Toepfer said violations are rare but do occur. The first violation results in a $114 fine.

There is no rule about the length of time a dog can be left outside unattended.

Brookfield NOW .com

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  1. So if your neighbor leaves their barking dog outside your bedroom window, you have to get another neighbor to complain along with you or you have no complaint.

    The ideal answer would be to talk to the neighbor, which is often uncomfortable and can become confrontational if they aren't reasonable. It would be nice if the dog owners in this community would realize that the neighbors aren't as enamored of these barking dogs as the owners are. But the owners are probably tired of hearing the dog, hence why the dog is outside to begin with.
  2. Some dogs just love it out side, when a squirl,rabbit who knows what comes around you can bet on a bark from your pet. That is part of owning a pet. So you bring it in. Complain to your neighbor and your the jerk. Complain again to the City and your a bigger jerk. Have a patrol car freqent the area to listen for a barking dog and you just lost a neighbor. We live in an organized society and rules are made because of disrespect for others. Dog walkers letting their pet drop their dog logs and not take them with them. Ordinance for that and a good one also.

    Hire a irresponsible contractor who does not take out a permit to do a alteration on your home, maybe you tell him no permit,him and you are irresponsible. If a neighbor brings this to the attention of the City and you are now the jerk in your neighbors eyes even though they are the violator. Same situation. Organized society has rules for reasons.

    In the first case a person can make the complaint , and or have a patrol car come by at your request and that is enough. I am sure the first time the neighbor will get a warning most likely, you will still be the jerk . In the second example, the City will send a building inspector out to investigate. Tell the owner they have a complaint from a neighbor.If it is determined the work you are doing requires a permit you have to apply for one and all work stopped until it is issued. The contractor risks having his Wisconsin Department of Commerce Dwelling Contractor Certification being revoked and put out of business.

    There are always consequences if people do not respect ordinances. Some are just stupid, some are ignorant by choice but get their reward.
  3. If you are going to let rover loose in the back yard, do run a fine line of olive oil down her back and add salt and pepper. The coyotes lurking in the brush will love her!
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