How can I Find out about Dog Barking Laws in my Area?
There are several ways to learn about dog barking laws in your area.
Local Municipality or City Council Website: Many local governments will have their ordinances posted online. You can typically find this information by searching for “[Your City] Animal Control Ordinances” or “[Your City] Noise Ordinances.”
Contact Local Animal Control or Non-Emergency Police: If you can’t find the information online, another option is to call your local animal control department or non-emergency police number. They should be able to provide information about the specific laws in your area.
Check State Legislation: Some states have more specific rules about animal noise. These can typically be found by searching for “[Your State] Animal Control Laws.”
Contact a Local Attorney: If you’re dealing with a complex situation or need legal advice, a local attorney specializing in animal law or property disputes might help.
Homeowner’s Association (HOA) or Landlord: If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA or are renting, they might have specific rules regarding pet noise.
Local Municipality or City Council Website: Many local governments will have their ordinances posted online. You can typically find this information by searching for “[Your City] Animal Control Ordinances” or “[Your City] Noise Ordinances.”
Contact Local Animal Control or Non-Emergency Police: If you can’t find the information online, another option is to call your local animal control department or non-emergency police number. They should be able to provide information about the specific laws in your area.
Check State Legislation: Some states have more specific rules about animal noise. These can typically be found by searching for “[Your State] Animal Control Laws.”
Contact a Local Attorney: If you’re dealing with a complex situation or need legal advice, a local attorney specializing in animal law or property disputes might help.
Homeowner’s Association (HOA) or Landlord: If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA or are renting, they might have specific rules regarding pet noise.
Remember that laws vary widely depending on your location, so it’s essential to check the specific laws in your city or county. Also, even if there aren’t specific dog barking laws, your area may have general noise disturbance or nuisance laws that could apply.
Dog Barking Laws in the US
California
In California, legal regulations stipulate that a barking offense is defined by either a continuous duration of 10 minutes or sporadic barking totaling 30 minutes within a span of three hours.
Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts regulations, individuals can complain about a dog’s excessive barking to the city council. Should a neighboring dog’s incessant noise become bothersome, one has the right to file a grievance.
Oregon
According to the laws of Oregon, a dog causing disturbance through excessive barking is considered a public nuisance. Any complaints received on this matter will be subject to county investigations.
New York
As per New York’s noise control laws, it’s unlawful for dogs to engage in ceaseless barking exceeding 10 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm. Between 10 pm and 7 am, the maximum allowable barking duration is set at 5 minutes. This includes both continuous barking and cumulative time with breaks.
Colorado
Colorado legislation restricts dog barking to a maximum of 15 minutes between 7 am to 10 pm and not more than 10 minutes from 10 pm to 1 am.
Pennsylvania
The law deems it illegal for any dog owner or caretaker to shelter a dog that repetitively barks for an hour or continuously barks for more than 10 minutes, causing disruption or disturbance in public spaces, public rights of way, or private properties. If found guilty, the dog owner can face a fine ranging from $25 to $1,000, in addition to other charges. If the fine is not paid, the convicted owner may face jail time of up to 90 days.
Texas
There isn’t a statewide law governing dog barking. The regulations differ from one city or locality to another. Therefore, individuals should contact local authorities to gather information about the legal barking duration in Texas or when considering filing a complaint. For instance, in Houston, a dog causing significant disruption to residents other than the owner by engaging in prolonged, frequent, or continued barking or howling, may be deemed a nuisance.
Ohio
The law doesn’t specify a precise dog barking or howling time limit. However, it stipulates that dogs should not be a source of annoyance through persistent barking or howling.
To register a complaint, residents can dial 3-1-1 from a landline or contact 330-375-2311 from any other phone. An animal control warden will gather the necessary information and guide you through the complaint process. Essential requirements for a complaint include your statement, details about when the barking occurred, and the names and addresses of at least two witnesses who do not live with the person complaining.
Georgia
State-wide regulations don’t exist concerning the control of dog barking. To ascertain the permissible duration for dog barking before it’s considered a disturbance, you’ll need to refer to the rules established by your city or county.
Take Athens city, for instance, where the law asserts that an owner should not permit their dog to disrupt others’ tranquility through continuous, habitual loud barking or howling.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, the laws related to barking dogs do not specify a duration that classifies barking as a nuisance. Nonetheless, these regulations indicate that no individual should keep or own a dog that creates disturbance through barking, aggressive behavior, or howling. If found guilty of such an offense, a person could face a $60 fine for the initial violation and potentially up to $100 and 30 days in jail for subsequent violations. The court might also mandate control measures or even dog removal if necessary.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s various cities and neighborhoods commonly consider a dog’s continuous barking or howling for more than 15 minutes as a disturbance. The dog owner could face a fine between $10 and $100. If the court sees fit, the dog might also be seized.
Minnesota
Laws regarding dog barking aren’t uniform at the state level. Consequently, different cities implement diverse regulations. As such, you must review your local codes before complaining. In St. Cloud, for example, it is prohibited for anyone to keep or own a dog that barks, howls, whines, or cries for six minutes or more.
Michigan
Michigan dog laws do not lay down a maximum duration for which a dog can bark. Given the variance in regulations from city to city, you must check your local laws to understand the permissible limits on barking.
