In May 1974 at the National Conference on the Ecology of the Surplus Dog and Cat Problem in Chicago, Alan Beck, a leading authority on animal management stated that "in 1919 controlling authorities were discussing dog registration, leash laws and barking nuisance, today we are her to do the same. Little has changed in 55 years". In some ways when it comes to barking noise nuisance, Beck's words are still applicable in 2004, 30 years later.

Murray,2 remarked in 1992: "how little research had been carried out to evolve the ad hoc dog control practices of the past"..."and if the keeping of dogs as family pets in the future is to be more socially tolerable, a general improvement (in this bark management aspect of) urban animal management methods appears necessary".

Barking noise nuisance is probably the most complex problem of all the problems that Local Government currently has to manage. The management of barking dogs in our communities is failing to deliver satisfactory community outcomes because most Local and State Laws about barking noise nuisance are impossibly subjective and in a practical sense unworkable.