We live in Cleveland Ohio, Collinwood neighborhood, our neighbor has two dogs that bark nonstop at night

Question

We've spoken to them but they don't fix the problem

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Here are a few options you can consider to address the neighbor's barking dogs in Cleveland, Ohio: 
 
- Contact your local animal control department. Persistent or excessive barking that disturbs the peace is prohibited under Cleveland city ordinances. Animal control can investigate, issue warnings and citations if needed. 
 
- File a nuisance complaint with the City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing. Excessive dog barking is considered a public nuisance. The city can intervene and require the owner to address the issue. 
 
- Send a formal written complaint to your neighbor documenting the barking with dates/times and asking them to resolve it. This creates a paper trail if further action is needed. 
 
- Look up the homeowner's association bylaws if you live in a HOA community. Some prohibit nuisance noise like chronic barking dogs. The HOA can send violation notices and impose fines.  
 
- Consider mediation where a neutral third party facilitates a discussion to try resolving the issue amicably before going legal. The Cleveland Mediation Center offers these services. 
 
- As a last resort, you can file a private nuisance lawsuit against the neighbor. You would need to prove the barking is excessive, disruptive and interferes with your use of your property. 
 
I'd start by exhausting the local options through animal control, the housing department and HOA if applicable. But if all else fails, a private lawsuit may compel the owner to address the disturbance.

Q: We live in Cleveland Ohio, Collinwood neighborhood, our neighbor has two dogs that bark nonstop at night