About This Issue

The Problem

For an extended period, our neighborhood has experienced persistent, excessive barking from dogs that are regularly left unattended in gardens and on balconies, primarily on Laskou Street. This barking occurs throughout the day and late into the night, including during Greece's mandated quiet hours (ώρες κοινής ησυχίας: 15:30-17:30 and 22:00-07:30).

The noise is constant, pervasive, and severely impacts the peace, sleep, work productivity, and overall wellbeing of residents on both Laskou and Blessa Streets.

Impact on Residents

Sleep Disruption: Barking continuing past midnight and resuming early morning
Work Interference: Remote workers unable to concentrate or take calls
Stress & Health: Chronic noise exposure causing anxiety and health impacts
Quality of Life: Unable to peacefully enjoy homes and outdoor spaces

Legal Framework

Greek law provides clear protections against noise disturbance. This is not a matter of opinion or preference—it is a legal right to peaceful habitation.

Criminal Provisions

Police Regulation 3/1996

Establishes mandatory quiet hours (ώρες κοινής ησυχίας): 15:30-17:30 and 22:00-07:30 daily.

Article 417 of the Greek Penal Code - Disturbing Silence (Διατάραξη κοινής ησυχίας)

Makes it a criminal offense to disturb public peace and silence, particularly during designated quiet hours.

Article 10 of Law No. 4637/2019

Violating public silence is punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 months and/or substantial fines.

Animal Welfare Provisions

Law No. 4039/2012 (as amended)

Requires pet owners to respect basic welfare requirements and avoid creating nuisance through barking at inappropriate times. Owners must ensure animals do not disturb neighbors' peace.

Law No. 4830/2021

Provides for significant fines and penalties for animal welfare violations, including for passive neglect such as leaving dogs unattended for extended periods.

Civil Remedies

Thessaloniki Magistrate's Court Judgment 297/2023

A court ordered dog owners to confine their animals indoors during quiet hours and cease all disturbances, imposing penalties of €500 per violation plus potential detention for non-compliance.

This precedent demonstrates that Greek courts take noise disturbance seriously and will issue binding orders with financial consequences.

Greek Code of Civil Procedure

Residents have the right to apply for injunctive relief for disturbance of peaceful possession of property.

What We're Seeking

To Dog Owners Specifically:

We are not asking anyone to rehome their dogs. We understand dogs bark naturally.

However, responsible pet ownership requires:

Keeping dogs indoors during mandated quiet hours (minimum legal requirement)
Supervising dogs when outdoors and intervening when they bark excessively
Considering professional training for persistent barking issues
Demonstrating respect for neighbors' right to peaceful habitation

To All Residents:

We seek a neighborhood where everyone can enjoy their homes without constant noise disturbance, and where pet owners exercise responsible stewardship of their animals.

Our Approach

Transparency

All documentation, communications, and actions are published on this platform for complete transparency.

Opportunity for Resolution

A 14-day response period has been provided for dog owners to demonstrate meaningful improvement before formal legal action proceeds.

Collective Action

Multiple households have committed to joint legal action if necessary. Collective documentation strengthens our case.

Legal Remedies

If no improvement occurs, we will proceed with:

Systematic complaints to Hellenic Police each time barking occurs during quiet hours
Reports to municipal authorities and veterinary services regarding animal welfare violations
Applications to the Magistrate's Court for injunctive relief with financial penalties
Pursuit of criminal charges under Article 417 of the Penal Code where appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you trying to force people to get rid of their dogs?

No. We want responsible pet ownership that respects quiet hours and neighbors' peace.

Isn't barking natural for dogs?

Yes, occasional barking is natural. However, leaving dogs unattended for hours resulting in continuous barking during quiet hours is a legal violation and welfare issue.

What counts as "excessive" barking?

Continuous or frequent barking lasting more than a few minutes, particularly during mandated quiet hours (15:30-17:30 and 22:00-07:30).

Is this really worth legal action?

Yes. Chronic noise exposure has documented health impacts. Everyone has a legal right to peaceful habitation. The Thessaloniki precedent shows courts agree.

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes. You can post comments anonymously. However, for formal legal action, your identity may need to be disclosed to authorities and courts.

Get Involved

If you are affected by this noise issue:

Register Comments Submit Evidence

📄 Read the Official Community Letter (PDF)