Filing Complaints

Complaint Process

Animal Control has established procedures to address barking dog complaints in 3 phases. The most efficient way to resolve the complaint is to consistently report the nuisance to Animal Control once every 7 to 10 days during a 3 to 4 week period. The county takes specific action if the noise hasn't subsided after each complaint received. The process allows for voluntary compliance by the dog owner while establishing a defensible court case if needed. If too much time lapses between complaints, the process must begin anew.

First Complaint

If you haven't reported the barking nuisance within the last 30 days, submit your complaint in writing to Animal Control with the dog owner's address, description of complaint, times and dates, description of the dog and any other helpful information to build a potential prosecution case. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. Animal Control does not accept anonymous complaints. Letters may be addressed to:
Field Supervisor
Carson Animal Care Center
216. W Victoria Street
Gardena, CA 90248

In response, Animal Control will send a letter to the dog owner stating the complaint about excessive noise and offering some suggestions to minimize the barking behavior. The dog owner will be given a week to voluntarily comply.

Second Complaint

After a week, if the noise hasn't abated, call Animal Control at 310-523-9566 to report no improvement. Animal Control will then send an officer to visit the dog owner and discuss options to comply with the animal noise regulations. Generally, the officer will also try to inspect the dog and property, if permitted, to check if everything is in order.

Third Complaint

If no compliance is observed after 7 days, call Animal Control at 310-523-9566. Animal Control will mail a petition form that must be signed by 3 separate households willing to testify in court, if necessary. Upon receiving the completed petition, Animal Control will forward the case file to the District Attorney's Office for review.

Depending upon the nature of the case, a hearing may be scheduled to hear both sides of the issue and the hearing officer will settle the problem or the District Attorney's Office may consider prosecuting the dog owner.