NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A dog owner was ordered to rehome two of five pets over excessive barking. 

 

The new Animal Control Commission was finding its way last Thursday as it dealt with dog complaints, wildlife and neighbor disputes at its second meeting.

 

John Flaherty of East Avenue was ordered to license his dogs and remove two to bring his pack into compliance with the city's ordinances. 

 

His neighbor James Whitney has lodged complaints over the past three years, saying the dogs were barking at all hours of the night and brought a list of times when the noise had awakened him. 

 

"I understand dogs bark during the day," he said. "I can put up with that, but not at nighttime. There were 140 instances between Feb. 6 [2025] and Jan. 20 [2026], where I or my wife or both of us heard the dogs barking in the a.m."

 

Flaherty said all five dogs are rescues and he's made efforts to contain the dogs. He's fenced the yard as well and brought the dogs in when they've been barking and keeps them in the house while he works nights. 

 

"I get home at midnight when I'm working, OK, I let three dogs out. I tell you, they don't make a noise. Don't make a sound. I bring them back in," he said. "I've got the two little ones I let out. They'll yap little, but I can't recall any insistent barking after midnight in a long long time."