London's worst areas for dog noise complaints revealed - and one of them is Barking
The worst area of London for dog barking complaints has been revealed.
Freedom of Information requests gathered by puppies.co.uk show that Islington is the borough with the worst such complaints, with 3,637 reports between 2020 and June 30, 2026.
Redbridge had the second most, with 3,401 complaints, while Barking and Dagenham was third with 2,736.
Last year, Barking and Dagenham led the ranking with 2,239 complaints, ahead of Southwark and Hackney.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson at puppies.co.uk said: “Barking is a completely normal way for dogs to communicate, but when it becomes persistent or goes on for long periods, understandably it can become frustrating for neighbours.
“It can also be a sign that your dog is trying to tell you something, whether they’re anxious, frightened, bored, excited or reacting to something around them.
"For owners looking to help their dogs, try giving your dog plenty of daily exercise, provide interactive toys to keep them occupied when alone, and leave the TV on at a low volume to help soothe them. If they bark when you leave the house, practice leaving for short periods and gradually increase the time so they learn you always come back.
“It’s also worth remembering that persistent barking can become more than just an issue between neighbours. If a council decides the noise amounts to a statutory nuisance, it can serve an abatement notice requiring the owner to address it. Failing to comply can ultimately lead to prosecution and a fine, so it’s wise to tackle persistent barking early where possible.”
One such dog owner has been fined £1,850 after allowing his dog to continually bark loudly.
It followed an investigation by Enfield Council’s environmental health team.
Yasar Mustafa, 39, was investigated by the council after receiving complaints from his neighbours about loud barking from his German Shepherd dog, dating back to September 2024.
Mr Mustafa was served a statutory noise abatement notice in February 2025, and was found guilty in July at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of breaching the notice served upon him.
On August 6, a judge ordered him to pay a fine of £250, the Council’s costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £100.
Cllr Elisa Morreale, Cabinet Member for Licensing at Enfield Council, said: “Loud noise such as dogs barking continually is antisocial behaviour, and negatively impacts our residents’ lives.
“The action taken by our environmental health officers in response to complaints and disturbances in this case, demonstrates our commitment to prosecute those who do not comply with the authorities.”
Mr Mustafa has been allowed to keep his dog.
Top 15 London Boroughs for Dog Barking Complaints
- Islington - 3,637
- Redbridge - 3,401
- Barking and Dagenham - 2,736
- Southwark - 2,236
- Lambeth - 2,080
- Greenwich - 1,593
- Bromley - 1,583
- Kensington and Chelsea - 1,513
- Hammersmith and Fulham - 1,406
- Bexley - 1,249
- Haringey - 1,196
- Sutton - 1,016
- Westminster - 860
- Kingston upon Thames - 860
- Croydon - 844
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