UK dog ownership
According to the World Animal Foundation, research and data indicates that 29% of UK adults have a dog.
There are two unequivocal facts when it comes to dog ownership: 1) dogs need to be walked on a regular basis and 2) occasionally dogs will need to reside in a boarding kennel, either whilst they find a new owner or whilst their owner goes away on holiday.
What does this mean for those of us involved in environmental noise?
In our experience, planning applications for dog boarding kennels, breeding establishments and secure dog walking facilities are on the rise.
When planning applications are submitted for these types of facilities and there are residential neighbours nearby, it is common for Local Authorities to request that a Noise Impact Assessment is carried out.
How is dog noise assessed?
There is no nationally agreed procedure for how noise from dogs should be assessed, which means that it is important for practitioners to check what the policy of the local planners in is before embarking on an assessment of dog noise. The assessment standard BS 4142 is sometimes used although it is not appropriate in all situations due to the highly intermittent and impulsive nature of dog barking noise.
It is important to note that noise from boarding kennels and secure dog-walking fields can be assessed during the planning stage using predictive methods based on existing noise data for similar facilities. However, a survey of noise levels at the proposed development site may still be required in order to establish the 'baseline' sound levels which form the starting point for an assessment.
How can noise from dogs be reduced?
There are a number of challenging factors when it comes to mitigating noise from dogs. Firstly, these are living creatures that are highly mobile and enjoy roaming in the open environment. Use of barriers or screens to control noise can sometimes be tricky, not to mention prohibitively expensive considering the relatively modest budgets available for dog boarding or walking facilities.
Furthermore, dog barking is a complex noise source in that one bark can set off other dogs, rather like a domino effect. The sound is highly transient which, when present at night, presents a risk of sleep disturbance.
First and foremost, a pragmatic approach to noise control should be adopted which recognises the reasons why dogs bark (e.g. to express fear, to attract attention or to be territorial). A noise management plan developed with the aim of minimising dog barking at source, informed by the experience of the dog handler, is therefore an essential part of any noise impact assessment. One example of a noise management measure for a secure dog walking facility would be to ensure the proprietor has the right to reject any customers whose dogs bark repeatedly or uncontrollably.
In boarding kennel environments, noise can be reduced through careful design of the kennel layout and positioning. For example, placing dog roaming areas as far from residential properties as reasonably practicable and using kennel structures or other buildings as physical barriers.
If you need support in dealing with noise from dog boarding kennels or dog walking facilities, contact Evolved Acoustics now for a free initial consultation. We provide cost-effective services and operate throughout the UK.
Evolved Acoustics
Call: 0333 7722 076
Email: info@evolvedacoustics.co.uk
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