1. Talk to the neighbor and try to work out an agreement in a neighborly way.

2. If talking to the neighbor does not help, keep a log over a period of a week detailing the animal disturbance(s) noting the distance, time of day, date and duration of the disturbance(s). Please note that under Rockdale County Ordinance § 18-1 it is only a violation if the disturbance is audible to a person of ordinary hearing ability at a distance of 100 feet from the property line where the animal is located.

3. If the problem persists, write a letter to the neighbor noting the details of the disturbance(s) and requests his/her help in preventing future disturbances. Send the letter by regular mail, certified mail or other method that will show receipt by the owner of the animal causing the disturbance and keep a file copy.

4. If it becomes apparent the owner of the animal is not taking sufficient steps to address the problem, contact Rockdale County Animal Control during normal business hours and file a written complaint. Animal Control will need a copy of your log and of the letter sent to the neighbor.

5. Animal Control will then notify the animal owner with a warning letter indicating that a complaint has been filed. The letter will include another copy of your initial letter and a copy of Rockdale County Ordinance § 18-1 regarding animals creating nuisances. The letter will state that if another complaint is registered within 45 days of that letter, Animal Control will issue a citation to the owner of the animal for an ordinance violation and the owner will have to appear in Magistrate Court to answer to the citation received.

6. Animal Control will not independently investigate complaints. Prosecution and conviction of the animal owner for a violation will be based on evidence gathered and your testimony in court regarding the circumstances of the violation.

Contact Animal Control if you have further questions.