No Control in Animal Control

Pet Owners Have the Power

Every morning resembles the previous one in the so-called land of nice - Seattle, Wash. Rain or shine, sick or well, anytime between 6:45 and 7:15 am, the "neighbors'" dog becomes my unwanted alarm clock.

RUF...RUF, RUF, RUF. Wimper, wimper, RUF, RUF, RUF!!!

This mind-numbing noise carries several blocks away, though I have the "fortune" being next door, and ceases once the dog owner's family (Mom, Dad, and two young children) either comes to the porch door and lets the dog into the house or gives the dog undivided attention. If neither, the dog will carry on until its demands are met, even up to an hour. Adding insult to my misery, this charade carries on throughout the day and can occur as late as 9:15 at night, making afternoon naps, quiet dinners, and relaxing evenings non-existent either hearing or bracing for the unwanted noise.

According to my interpretation of the Seattle Municipal Code - listed below - these are violations. Slam dunk you think to get compliance from this family? Think again.

On the City of Seattle's Animal Control section of the website, is advice of how to approach a problem such as the above, with "expectations" of complaining parties with respect to noise issues in a large city. Considering that I am from New York City, I feel I know what big city noise expectations are. Never mind, how often, sometimes daily, I'm reminded how uncivilized culture back East in comparison to life here in the Pacific Northwest yet consistently encounter outrageous situations.

Nevertheless I contacted Animal Control since I know how protective many are with their animals and not looking to create a scene for a common sense situation approaching the owners about a long-standing problem. I was told by an agent that a letter would be sent to the animal in question if there had not been any complaints in the past 6 months with the animal, to which this situation applied. But no details were accepted on my behalf and that would not occur unless another complaint was submitted within the next 6 months to which a declaration with my name, address, etc would be sent and start the process for potential legal action.