Excessive dog barking, also known as nuisance dog barking, is considered when a dog repeatedly barks for a prolonged time and disturbs the neighbors. The states and counties in the U.S. have specific laws regarding excessive dog barking. If you are disturbed by your neighbors’ barking dog, you can file a complaint against them.
Nuisance noise from a dog in the U.S. is generally defined as barking for more than 5 minutes in any 1 hour. The excessive dog barking period varies in different states and counties. Here are laws and periods for excessive dog barking in different states of the U.S.
Key Takeaways
In the US, it varies from state to state, but nuisance noise from dog barking is generally defined as barking for more than 5 minutes in any one hour.
Excessive dog barking can land you in legal trouble. So, train your dog not to bark excessively and work with dog trainers to eliminate excessive barking habits.
Excessive Dog Barking and California
In Los Angeles, California, dog barking is considered excessive if it is continued for more than 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more within three hours. The Los Angeles City Council has empowered Department of Animal Services to decide if a dog’s barking is excessive. The fine starts from $250 on the first warning and exceeds $500 on the second warning. It increases up to $1000 on a third hearing or warning. After that, the fine will be more than $6000, if the dog’s owner fails to control his dog.
In the City of Irvine, California, if a judge or a police official imposes a fine on a dog’s owner upon a complaint filed by his neighbors, he must have to pay that fine within a set period of time. The Irvine Municipal Code suggests: “Any fine not paid within 15 days of the date the civil citation was issued shall be subject to a late penalty in an amount equal to the unpaid fine, such that the total amount due shall be equal to double the unpaid fine amount”. (Ord. No. 09-10, § 1, 9-22-09)
According to California County Code, “The dog has barked or howled for an aggregate period of twenty (20) minutes out of one hour shall be sufficient for conviction. If the first nuisance barking or howling complaint is determined to be provoked by any other animal or nearby pedestrian(s), it may be excluded from the aggregate time if the owner: (1) provides documentation that the provocation exists and cannot be avoided; and (2) takes remedial steps to change the environment of the dog(s) and abate the nuisance within a six-month period from the date of the complaint”. 6.08.020 Nuisance—Excessive dog barking
Excessive Dog Barking and Massachusetts, U.S.A
Legislation regarding nuisance barking Massachusetts U.S.A. states that it will be considered excessive if the dog barks straight for 30 minutes. A dog barking more than a combined total of one hour in a 24-hour period is also considered excessive. Besides this, you will also be fined if your dog barks during “quiet hours,” usually after 10 PM and before 7 AM.
Excessive Dog Barking and Denver, Colorado
Excessive dog barking is considered an offence as per ordinance violation of D.R.M.C. 8-17 in Denver, Colorado. Upon violation of this ordinance, you will be imposed a monetary fine and may also have to attend court hearings. The city law lets you settle your dog barking dispute with your neighbor by talking at first. Denver Animal Protection (D.A.P.) will take the necessary steps to resolve the issues if you fail.
Note: In areas that don’t have specific dog barking laws, other ordinances may be used against you if your dog excessively barks. You can use anti-barking devices to control your dog.
Tips to Stop Excessive Dog Barking
- Train your dog using anti-bark devices or keep them happy by playing with them, keeping them well fed, and caring for their health.
- Train your dog to obey the “keep quiet” command.
- Put up barriers or fences so your dog cannot see his trigger and to stop him from barking at every moving thing.
- Consult your vet if nothing works.
- Do not punish your dog or use shock collars; these methods are cruel and inhumane.
- Don’t yell back at your dog to stop barking; he won’t understand you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is excessive dog barking in U.K.?
According to Middevon.Gov.UK, “frequent intermittent barking over lengthy periods; sustained barking over more than a minute or two; barking early in the morning or late at night” will be considered excessive dog barking. If your dog barks excessively, you will be fined in UK.
What is excessive dog barking in Ireland?
According to dog control policy in Ireland, if a dog barks to the nuisance level, it will be considered an offense. If you file a complaint against your neighbor’s barking dog, the District Court, under Noise Regulations, will proceed with your complaint. The judge can impose a fine on the dog’s owner if he fails to control his barking dog.
What does it mean when a dog won’t stop barking?
Dogs usually bark when they are feared of something, anxious, hungry, or to seek their owner’s attention. If your dog won’t stop barking, please check the possible causes behind barking and then resolve them. If the dog is afraid of someone or something, try to identify and remove it from your dog’s sight. If your dog is hungry, feed them. Give them the due attention.
How much is normal barking?
There is no set standard. The barking frequency and duration depend on your dog’s breed, mental and physical health, and the condition he is exposed to. Some breeds bark at everything they see, and some stay hushed no matter what’s happening around them.
