[NotEnoughTime]

This is an issue with the increasing urbanization of North America... I live in Canada - but we face similar issues as neighbours change and population densities increase.

I live in a neighbourhood that is zoned "Large Lot Rural Residental" and almost all my neighbours have dogs (barking dogs!) as pets. I don't get disturbed by this since I chose to live in a more "rural" setting - but a recent development just "down the road" has been put in that is zoned "Rural Urban." The lots are much smaller and "city folk" have come to inhabit our peaceful rural neighbourhood.

Our bylaws read: "No person shall own, keep or harbour any animal or bird which by its barks, cries or sounds unduly disturbs the peace, quiet, rest, tranquillity of the surrounding neighbourhood or the public at large" and are 24x7 - which means someone can complain at any time that a dog or bird is making too much noise.

As a result of this there is tension in our neighbourhood....

I have talked with bylaw officers in the late evening - so I find it quite believable that this may have happened... But I would probably call the bylaw officer and chat with him - in a nice non-confrontational way - prior to making any decisions. Try to find out the concerns and what would be needed to satisify them.

I would also check your local bylaws to see whether there is any merit to the noise complaint. My feeling is that there is merit - but your bylaws may not be 24x7 and may have an "hour and decibel" restriction instead.

I know, however, that when my windows are open I can hear my green cheek a very long way away - over a couple of rural blocks - if she decides to call. Fortunately only I know her calls - so the neighbours can't tell the difference between all the other birds calls and my girl's call...

Your parents can get into a bylaw war with their neighbours - but what purpose would that serve? The bylaw officer can mediate if there is a personality conflict and it is likely that there is a solution that would satisfy everyone...