What can I do about the dog next door that is left outside and continually barks?

Owners of dogs can be issued a violation notice with a $25.00 fine.  Second or subsequent offenses for excessive barking of their dog incur a $50.00 fine.  Some irresponsible dog owners deliberately place their dogs outside neglecting to bring them promptly back in.  These owners then leave for the day being unaware that their pets are barking and annoying their neighbors.  Dog owners who deliberately place their dogs outside to bark excessively for the purpose of annoying the public and disturbing the public decorum may face possible criminal sanctions and/or arrest plus impoundment of their animal.

Excessive barking should be reported, at the time it is occuring, to animal control or the police (781-893-3700)  if this occurs during non-business hours. The responding police officer will listen and if he hears the barking he will document it in a report and take what immediate action is necessary.  The Animal Control Officer may issue the dog owner a violation notice and she will give the owner guidance in curbing nuisance barking.  Subsequent complaints will be dealt with progressively stiffer penalties.