Sound barriers may work for those with noisy dogs

I am glad the Housing and Development Board (HDB) retracted its notice to residents pertaining to debarking, which not only goes against nature but also gives no guarantees or safeguards against complications from a failed surgery.

Dog lovers would not contemplate this option, which is perceived as a draconian method of noise containment. (“HDB suggestion to debark noisy dogs angers animal rights groups”: Aug 29)

Yet, in a compact society where most residents are sandwiched in high-rise buildings, it is understandable that the HDB takes a serious view of noise nuisances that interfere with peaceful living.

Instead of debarking as a last resort or sending dogs for obedience training, home owners could consider installing sound-absorbing barriers in their residences. These are manufactured using special materials, have good sound- and fire-insulating properties and can take the form of partitions.

Sound barriers are used at construction sites and a similar concept can be applied to HDB flats and condominiums to help reduce, to a certain extent, the sound transmitted from a dog owner’s unit to those of his neighbours.