He may have his reasons, but if it were my problem, I'd imagine i'd try
out a retired neighbour first!.
As an aside, Me and my mates were up the block on the weekend, working
on my one bedroom unit we're building...: mate has a new Nikon slr
camera, and was trying the Milky way early in the morning (no moon). I
got out of bed about 5.50 am (couldnt sleep.. flu and so bloody cold)
and found him photographing away... The place was deathly silent, but we
both heard a dog barking, and then the howling answered.. Could have
been 10k away! Dunno. The best bit is nothing answered from my joint.
There are still wild dogs around, and plenty of them. Just not at my
joint, at this stage.