Depending on where one lives in the Algarve the situation of dogs barking continuously for a very long time throughout the day and night can be tantamount to mental torture. Especially if one cannot get a decent nights sleep. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture used as we well know.
It seems some people were driven to their limits and took this horrible step, whereas, the blame and action should be taken against the owners of these dogs, many whom are strays, although I have seen dogs with collars roam around in town and in the area where I live. These dogs are left to wander around freely at night OR left in the property of the owners to howl away without any regard for the neighbours. Surprisingly the owners themselves are oblivious to the continuous barking.
If one was to have a gathering (post restrictions) or decide to play loud music after a certain time in the evening, this would not be considered neighbourly and the police would be called but, not so with barking dogs which seems to be acceptable form of noise pollution.
Calls to the Câmara it seems did not result in any action despite being given the address of the individuals, other than to commiserate and the suggestion to call the police (GNR) which seems excessive, especially as when the police finally decide to venture out the dogs have to be barking for them to take action. Talking to the owners of the dogs in the neighbourhood has been futile, they just shrug and say dogs bark!! So I wonder if that was the course of action someone took was because there seemed no possibility of a resolution, other than their action, which was clearly misguided.
Name and
Address
Withheld, By email
Absolutely agree with this article. ???? Some stricter laws need to be introduced.
reinfor rreinforce iiiintroducedm.areinforced !an.rereinforced
By Elfi from Algarve on 20 Jul 2021, 18:24
Uncontrolled barking dogs are a curse in too many parts of the country, especially in the Algarve, where the higher volume of paying visitors from overseas often are shocked how bad it can be, especially continuing into the night hours. Worse is the seemingly, apparent, inaction of the authorities to help make any changes for the better. Of course, most of us know the dogs are not really the problem, but the owners.
When will something be done to cure this maddening curse?
Whoever does eventually make efforts to do so will be getting my vote!
Dog Lover.
By KG from Algarve on 21 Jul 2021, 16:50
The law says noise is illegal after 11 pm. This includes animal noise. Ring the local police and keep ringing them if the noise re occurs. They will respond at some point even if its only to shut you up. But a police visit to the dog owners may be sufficient to stop it. If it isn't, then ring GNR again.
By David Greenslade from Algarve on 20 Aug 2021, 22:32
Barking dogs seem to be a problem wherever you go in Portugal. This is now our third address in the Lisbon-Cascais area and we were disturbed by barking dogs at each one. Why the owners seem to think this is normal is beyond me.
By Gilbert Drui from Lisbon on 05 Sep 2021, 12:47