 BARKING DOG
My neighborhood is quiet again — what about yours?
By George Garrigues
Nov. 6, 2006: A few weeks ago I was forced to complain to the city Department of Animal Services about a barking dog at the house next door. (You can read all about it at the bottom of this column.)
Well, the city sent a letter to my neighbor, the owner of the barking beast, and just about 10 days ago the animal disappeared, and everybody around here was able to enjoy some peace. (There are 17 bedrooms overlooking the grassy patch where the dog had been honing his howl.)
I certainly hope the doggie was not euthanized; he seemed like a nice enough fella; he was just lonely, all chained up like that for hours at a time. Anyway, the dog is gone, but I met with the Animal Control people this morning anyway for the conference they had scheduled between me and my neighbor — who didn't show up — the idea being I didn't want to start over in case the canine came back.
Officer Armando Navarete took me into his office and read a statement aloud about the procedure, asked me some questions, scribbled a few notes and generally was a very pleasant guy to be with.
As I said, the dog has departed. We have all lost in this matter — (1) the dog, of course, not wanting much more than a warm place to lie down, two square meals a day and a loving home, and (2) and (3) my neighbor and I, who are not speaking to each other any more.
Earlier postings are below this line.
Oct. 1, 2006: My neighbor, whom I'll call G, recently bought a dog. A barking dog. That dog is driving me nuts.
I went over to talk to G about it. He was rude and told me, in effect, to take a hike.
I informed him that I'd filed a complaint with the Department of Animal Services about his mangy mutt — sorry, I mean about his four-legged companion.
Yes, friends, in Los Angeles you can actually take steps to rid your block of howling bowsers. But it's not an easy process.
You have to send a letter to the Department of Animal Services. In West L.A. the address is 11950 Missouri Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Here's the pooper-scoop, which you can find at http://www.laanimalservices.com/LEServicesBD.htm:
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Barking Dog Complaint
If you are experiencing a problem with a barking dog, you must submit a written complaint to the Animal Service Center serving your area.
To file complaint, you must write a letter including the following:
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Address of the barking dog
Description of the Problem
Your Signature
Send your complaint letter directly to the Shelter that services your area.
The department will contact the dog owner and request compliance with regulations. If the barking does not stop, you must submit a second complaint by telephone 15 days after the first complaint. If the problem continues, the issue will be resolved through mediation by the Department or Dispute Resolution Services. The final stage is an Administrative Hearing.
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I will keep you posted on the progress of this disturbance in a doggy dish.
In the meantime, you can download the rules and regulations about non-biting barkers from
http://www.laanimalservices.com/LEServicesBD.htm
Oct. 12: Is the dog dead? I hope not. Anyway, it is suspiciously quiet, and I don't see any sign of it in my neighbor's yard except for a leash.
I went away for a week; before I left I sent a letter like the one I mentioned above, and while I was gone the Animal Control people "issued a notice to the resident advising of the alleged noise and requesting that immediate steps be taken to abate this condition." I learned about that when I returned in a letter dated Oct. 3.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that I have heard the last from that cussed canine.
Oct. 14: No such luck. The beast was merely sleeping. It woke me up this morning, and perhaps the people in the apartment building across the way. I must go over and talk to them.
Oct. 25: A date has been set. It will be Thursday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. Nice way to start the week, hm? Here's the most recent letter from the city:
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REQUIRED COMPLAINANT APPEARANCE
Pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 53.63, you are requested to appear at a meeting at
WEST LOS ANGELES ANIMAL CARE CENTER
11950 MISSOURI AVENUE
WEST LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
on November 9, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. for discussion and possible resolution of your complaint concerning the barking dog(s) located at: (address omitted). A notice requiring the dog(s) owner to appear has also been served.
You are notified that any person(s) able to testify in your behalf should accompany you to this meeting. Additionally, any recordings, signed statements, and/or other material that will assist the Department in making a determination should be submitted during the meeting. All parties must bring ID showing their current address, signature and picture.
Should you not be able to attend this meeting or should you have any questions, please contact the Animal Care and Control Center designated below.
Very truly yours, . . .
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