Dog Barking Noise... Neighbor Conflicts
"Extreme Stress from Dog Barking Noise" Petition Submitted to Blue House
Some Owners Decide to Remove Their Dogs' Vocal Cords Surgery
[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han] # A in their 20s, an office worker, recently visited an animal hospital to have their pet dog's vocal cords removed. This decision was made reluctantly as the dog's barking noise escalated into severe conflicts with neighbors over noise between floors. A said, "It breaks my heart to think about my pet, but I had no choice to live together in the apartment." They added, "I plan to make up for what I couldn't do in the future. But thinking about it, this is just my own rationalization, so I can't help feeling uncomfortable."
As the population living with pets reaches 15 million, disputes between neighbors have significantly increased. A typical example is noise conflicts caused by pets within apartment complexes. It has even led to the term "floor-dog noise" instead of floor noise. Consequently, some owners consider having their dogs undergo vocal cord removal surgery to prevent noise disputes, sparking controversy.
Under current law, noise between floors is regulated by the "Apartment Housing Management Act" and the "Noise and Vibration Control Act." Noise can be divided into "airborne noise" from electronic devices and "impact noise" caused by actions such as jumping.
Airborne noise is defined as noise exceeding 45 dB (decibels) during the day and 40 dB at night, measured as a 5-minute average.
Impact noise is recognized if the 1-minute average exceeds 43 dB during the day or 38 dB at night, or if the maximum noise exceeds 57 dB during the day or 52 dB at night. If intentional noise is proven, damages of approximately 1.5 to 2 million KRW can be claimed.
◆ Barking Noise from Dogs... 2 to 3 Times Higher than Human Noise Standards
The problem is that noise caused by dogs barking is not included in the legal noise standards. According to the "Noise and Vibration Control Act," noise is defined as loud sounds generated by human activities.
Noise from pet dogs is serious, reaching 2 to 3 times the noise levels generated by humans. In 2005, Tokyo Metropolitan Government measured the decibel levels of barking by different dog sizes, finding that small dogs produce about 80 dB and large dogs about 90 dB.
Considering that impact noise is defined as exceeding 43 dB during the day on a 1-minute average, all barking sounds from dogs can be regarded as noise.
On the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) public petition board, petitions requesting legislation to punish noise pollution caused by barking dogs continue to be posted. Petitioners complain of various damages caused by barking dogs in apartments, villas, and one-room apartments.
◆ Is Vocal Cord Removal Surgery for Dogs Really Necessary?
Given the situation, some dog owners are considering vocal cord removal surgery to resolve conflicts. B, an office worker in their 30s, said, "There have been too many complaints, so I have no choice but to have my dog's vocal cords removed." They added, "I feel really sorry for my dog, but I have no choice to resolve the conflict."
On the other hand, there are opposing views. C, an office worker in their 20s, said, "Removing a dog's vocal cords is like taking away a person's voice." They expressed frustration, saying, "If you love pets, you should consider many things before living with them. This is just human selfishness."
Another dog owner said they are considering a "bark control device" instead of vocal cord removal surgery. D, an office worker, said, "Vocal cord removal surgery seems too harsh. Although the dog might feel the same, I think it's the best choice."
However, bark control devices also cause considerable distress to dogs. These devices are designed to prevent barking by delivering an electric stimulus through a collar when barking is detected.
When worn around the neck, the device senses the vibration of the vocal cords and delivers an electric shock. However, as the perception that bark control devices constitute abuse has spread, the UK banned their sale in August 2018.
Experts do not recommend vocal cord removal surgery for dogs. A representative from an animal hospital said, "Surgery inevitably carries risks of infection or side effects." They advised, "Owners should first understand why their dogs bark and address the issue through training or other responses." They emphasized, "Since dogs may bark due to stress, it is important to identify problems through sufficient walks and playtime."
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