Guest Author - Denise Lacazette
Spent any time in a chat room lately? Belong to a pet newsgroup? If so, you have probably seen at least one story about someone being raided by a legal entity (animal control, Fish & Wildlife, etc.) and the animals confiscated. Many times the stories lead off with “loud noises or animal cries caused concern ..”. A macaw shrieking can sound like someone being murdered. A small flock of conures shrieking can be ear-piercing. If someone does not know you have birds, would they be alarmed if they were walking by your house and heard those sounds? What about a wolf or wild cat cry?
When you have loud pets it is very important to have good relations with your neighbors. Nuisance or trouble calls typically originate from neighbors. If you have had poor relations prior to getting an animal, they will not suddenly improve – especially if the animal is loud. However, if you have little or no interactions with your neighbors the acquisition of a new pet can provide and should provoke you into changing that.
Begin by taking your animal on walks around the neighborhood. It is not a race; walk slowly and talk to the animal as you walk. Smile, smile, smile as you walk and talk. Nod or wave to those you see on the street. If someone shows an interest in the animal stop and chat. Always be positive in what you tell the other person about that animal. Explain that you are out walking with your animal to help socialize it and help it learn where “home” is. This lets others know that the animal may not be ready for their attentions (petting, holding) and that you live nearby. Do this as many times a week as possible – preferably around the same time so people who have been peeking out their windows know when you will be by (after awhile they will probably “happen” to be out during that time). On subsequent walks when you encounter the same individuals you could ask if they have heard the animal last day/night/afternoon and whether it was overly loud. Ask them if it is overly loud to let you know. Be friendly – even if you are normally shy, reclusive, or distrustful. Your neighbors will be more inclined to overlook the occasional loud noise and less inclined to “call the law on you” if you demonstrate care and concern over their feelings – as well as showing that you and your animal have a good relationship with the daily walks.
If your animal is overly loud and especially if a neighbor does say something to you about it, find a way to reduce the noise. If the animal is indoors work on soundproofing the room. It is possible to reduce the noise with creative solutions like adding rugs or pads to the walls or replacing that window with a double/triple pane. If the animal is outdoors bring it indoors after 10 p.m. or provide an outdoor shelter that can be closed and soundproofed. Respect your neighbors by minimizing your animal’s impact on their sleep!
Dispel the mystery surrounding those sounds coming from your home and yard. Get to know your neighbors, and more importantly have them get to know you. There will always be people that dislike particular types of animals (or even you), but you can reduce the chances of a call being made about your animals by creating good relations with your neighbors.
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