Noise from Cockerel Crowing
Melton Borough Council’s Environmental Health
Department can investigate complaints alleging noise nuisance from
cockerel crowing.
Factors considered
In considering whether a Statutory Nuisance
exists an Environmental Health Officer will consider the following
factors:
- Source of noise
- Environment of noise
- Duration of crowing
- Time of day of crowing
- How often it occurs
Practical measures to minimise crowing
Several measures can be used to minimise
cockerel crowing:
- Location of the cockerel - It is important to ensure that the
cockerel is located as far away as practicable from neighbouring
residential properties
- Competition - Other cockerels in the area will cause them to
compete with each other and may result in excess crowing.
- Housing - Keep the coop as dark as possible to minimise early
morning crowing as a cockerel will crow when light enters the coop.
The coop ceiling can also be lowered to prevent the cockerel
throwing back its head and crowing.
Investigating complaints
If we receive a complaint about noise we are
obliged by law to investigate it. This may include:
- Asking the complainants to note down all the times that they
are being disturbed.
- Officers from this department undertaking visits to witness the
disturbance.
- The use of noise recording equipment
If we are satisfied that the noise constitutes
a Statutory Nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990,
an Abatement Notice will be served requiring you to stop the
disturbance, and if this is not complied with, you could face a
maximum fine of £5000 (domestic premises), or £20,000
(commercial/industrial premises).
If you wish to complain about a crowing cockerel or have had a
complaint made against you…what next?
Contact Environmental
Health and speak to Roy Matthews
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