What Annoys You Most About Your Neighbour's Pet?

Research carried out in the UK shows that a fifth of people have fallen out with their neighbours following an argument about their cat or dog. That means over four million households in the British Isles find their neighbour's pets a source of annoyance. This poll which surveyed 3,000 homeowners, conducted by Esure, reveals thirty-seven per cent of people have been kept awake at night due to the barking of the neighbour's dog.

A total of six per cent of householders say they have reported the annoying pet to law enforcement after fearing for their family's safety. And the survey shows that eleven per cent of dogs have been blamed for chewing plants, toys and garden ornaments.

But dogs aren't the only offending pets, as cats can also cause a host of problems for homeowners. A third of people say they have returned home to find next-door's cat sleeping happily in their house, after getting in through their cat flap or open window. Felines are also guilty of digging up nine per cent of gardens, simply to go to the toilet.

A surprising fact is that one in ten people have had an argument with their neighbours over trespassing pets. And twelve per cent of people get mad when the neighbour's cat brings dead animals into their home or garden as 'gifts'.

It may seem funny too, to non-animal owners, but nine per cent of homeowners admit they are at the end of their tether, and are considering moving to escape the neighbour's pets. A drastic measure you may think, but if you are a pet-owner, or before you make a decision to become an animal owner, you must consider the feelings of your neighbours.

The survey also revealed that the top annoyance is barking dogs, followed by cats or dogs fouling in the garden. At number three on the list is cats or dogs howling in the night, and fourth on the list is aggressive dogs in the neighbourhood. Cats fighting is another source of annoyance followed by the bad smell of dirty pets. At number seven on the list is whining cats, followed by our feline friends bringing dead animals into the house or garden. People also cite trespassing cats and dogs as a source of annoyance and this is at number nine, followed by damage to property at number ten.