NOISE IN DOG KENNELING - IS BARKING A WELFARE PROBLEM FOR DOGS

Noise levels (sound pressure levels, SPLs) were monitored over 24 and 48 h in a number of different types of kennels including shelters, tra ining establishments and research laboratories. Two measures of SPL we re used, L-peak and L-eq over both low (1 Hz-20 kHz) and high (12.5-70 kHz) frequency ranges and using a linear weighting. At most sites the noise levels followed a diurnal pattern; levels were generally low an d relatively constant overnight, increased gradually in the early morn ing and then fluctuated during the working day. Levels decreased in th e evening at different times depending on the local regimes. In one fa cility near railway lines the diurnal pattern was less obvious. During the day L-peak values regularly exceeded 100 dB and often reached 125 dB; L-eq values were between 65 and 100 dB. The high noise levels wer e caused mainly by barking, but husbandry procedures such as cleaning also contributed to them, The noise levels recorded here may have welf are implications. If this is shown to be the case, it is not yet clear what are the best methods of reducing the levels. There is currently a lack of adequate guide lines for noise levels in dog kennels. The cu rrent work has highlighted an area of concern in dog husbandry that ur gently needs to be addressed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.