Barking Dogs
It’s that time of year when we love to open our doors and windows for some fresh air, or perhaps sit outside and enjoy the summer months. A constantly barking dog, however, can quickly shatter this relaxing image and make neighbors less than friendly toward each other. Some argue that dogs have the right to bark, but others argue that they have the right to enjoy peace and quiet. If you need help in determining where to draw the line, perhaps we can help with sample legislation that clearly defines how much barking will lead to disciplinary action. This legislation also includes a complaint procedure; and police are given the right to enter property and seize the dog. Soundproof buildings are also discussed. Read on if you need this type of regulation to keep the peace (literally!).
Sample Ordinances:
York, Twp. PA: Sec. 88-10
Rochester, C. NY: Sec. 31-5
Irvington, Twp. NJ: Sec. 65-14
Return to Sample Legislation Archive
York, Twp. PA:
Chapter 88
ANIMALS
§ 88-10. Barking dogs.
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It shall be unlawful for any person to confine a dog in an open-air enclosure, including a fenced yard, where its barking may disturb the quiet of the neighborhood after 10:00 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m. prevailing time. Said dog shall be confined within a relatively soundproof building with closed doors and windows during those hours so that any barking will not annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, peace or safety of any individual in the township.
- It shall be unlawful for any owner or persons responsible to said owner to permit the continual barking of any dog or dogs between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Continued barking shall mean the barking of any dog or dogs for a continuing period of 30 seconds or more on three or more occasions during any twenty-minute period.
