Housing Director Manjinder Kaur Atwal discusses Legal Risks Around Dog Nuisance Complaints (24 June 2025)

Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Director of Housing Law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, has been featured in This is Money offering expert legal guidance on a growing concern for homeowners: dog barking and its potential legal consequences.

In the article titled "My neighbours complain about my dog barking – could they report me?" Manjinder outlines the formal routes a neighbour may pursue if informal complaints fail to resolve the issue. She explains that persistent dog barking could fall under a statutory nuisance as defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990, giving local councils the authority to investigate and take enforcement action.

“The main route for the neighbour would be to raise a complaint with the local council's environmental health department. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils have a duty to investigate allegations of a statutory nuisance.

If the council agrees that a statutory nuisance exists, they can issue a Noise Abatement Notice requiring you to take steps to reduce or eliminate the barking. Failure to comply with such a notice is a criminal offence. This can result in a fine of up to £5,000 for residential premises, or even more for commercial ones.”

She also highlights the risk of a civil claim in nuisance, where neighbours could seek injunctions or damages, and notes that unresolved disputes of this nature may even affect a property's value or saleability during conveyancing.

Manjinder stresses the importance of early, amicable resolution:

“Keep lines of communication open, and show a willingness to find practical solutions—whether through training, limiting outdoor time, or even consulting a dog behaviourist. If action is taken early enough, you will avoid legal risk and ultimately preserve a good neighbourly relationship.”

The piece underscores the legal implications of common neighbour disputes and reinforces the importance of early intervention to avoid escalating tensions or legal proceedings.

Read the full article here: This is Money – My neighbours complain about my dog barking – could they report me?

About Manjinder

Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Director of Housing, is recognised by the Chambers UK legal directory as a UK-wide notable practitioner, offering strength across a wide range of social housing matters, including interim relief and homelessness applications. She heads a Housing Team ranked Tier 1 across the South East by The Legal 500 for its "excellent knowledge of the law" and "extensive experience". The department is recognised as a market-leader in all areas of social housing and property litigation including disrepair, unlawful evictions, homelessness, possession disputes, and complex judicial review matters. 

For advice in relation to any housing matter contact Manjinder Kaur Atwal on 07342 081785 or email at Manjindera@duncanlewis.com

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a multi-award-winning national law firm renowned for exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. With expertise in 25 areas of law, the firm is ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a top-tier law firm and has been named a Times Top 250 Law Firm. Headquartered in London, the firm is recognised for its excellence in people management, holding the Investors in People Gold Standard Accreditation, and embraces a paperless, hybrid-working model. The firm was crowned law firm of the year at the LexisNexis awards 2024 and again at the Modern Law awards the year before.