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Ah crap. Here’s a situation I can do without.

New neighbour, and they have a shitty looking dog that won’t stop barking and growling at my two girls when they go out to play in the garden, and now they’re afraid to go out when it’s out. The fence is keeping them apart but they’re quite young so it frightens them.

I thought I’d try get off in the right foot with the new guy so I went around, welcomed him to the street, answered a few questions about where local amenities are and then asked if he could do something about the dog going for the kids. I can tell he doesn’t think it’s an issue though, as a week is on it’s still happening. So as it’s my boundary I’m going to replace the lattice fence with 7 foot high panels I’ve been keeping in storage since the storms last winter. It’ll still bark and grow at them but hopefully if they can’t see each other one another they will get used to it and loose interest. It’s a pity because we really got on with the people before him.
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KiwiBird · 36-40, F
Just remember a boundary fence is owned by you and the adjoining property owner. Does the guy with the dog own the place or rent?

You need to discuss the fence replacement with the adjoining owner. If the current fence keeps the dog off your property it is unlikely the owner would want to contribute anything financially to the replacement fence. If you are prepared to replace the fence at your cost you still need to discuss and agree to any changes.

You also need to ensure the replacement fence meets the requirements of the local council/authority. In some areas there are height restrictions. For example where I live the maximum height is 1.2 metres and anything higher than this needs council approval. 7 foot is 2.1336 metres so in my area I would need council approval.

Fences are one of the biggest causes of dispute between neighbours.

Good Luck. Would be great if your kids could play in peace.
@KiwiBird He can get around that rule by moving the fence just a little bit to where it's completely on his property, and only give up maybe a linear foot or less of his yard.
KiwiBird · 36-40, F
@LordShadowfire The joint ownership rule yes. Not Council requirements. Very few people give up land like that. It can become alienated and over time loose legal ownership of the abandoned strip of land. It has happened.
@KiwiBird I know, but if it's only a 6 inch strip of land, that's a small price to pay. But that's just my opinion.
KiwiBird · 36-40, F
@LordShadowfire I understand what you are saying. However therein lies a Catch 22 scenario. If you loose ownership of that strip of land then you are back to square one and common law rules come back into play.
@KiwiBird Ah, I see.