Albuquerque, NM Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Albuquerque, NM, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Albuquerque Code section 9-9-4(C)
- Threshold
- Noise in each of ten 1-minute intervals over a 10-minute period
- Standard
- Persistent/continuous barking disturbing peace and quiet
- Exempt
- Public zoos and properly zoned animal shelters
- Related rule
- Section 9-2-4-7 'animal noise' (preserved by section 9-9-12)
Summary
Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-4(C) makes it unlawful to allow an animal in your possession to 'persistently or continuously' bark, howl, or make noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of city inhabitants. Public zoos and properly zoned animal shelters are exempt.
(C) No person shall allow an animal in his possession or control to persistently or continuously bark, howl or make noise common to its species, or otherwise to disturb the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the city, or otherwise endanger the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the city. This provision shall not apply to public zoos and approved and properly zoned animal shelters as defined in the Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment Ordinance.
Full Breakdown
Albuquerque addresses barking dogs in two places. Within the Noise Control Ordinance, section 9-9-4(C) provides that 'no person shall allow an animal in his possession or control to persistently or continuously bark, howl or make noise common to its species, or otherwise to disturb the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the city, or otherwise endanger the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the city,' with an exemption for public zoos and approved, properly zoned animal shelters defined in the Humane and Ethical Animal Rules and Treatment (HEART) Ordinance.
For animal noise, 'PERSISTENTLY OR CONTINUOUSLY' is specifically defined in section 9-9-2 as a 10-minute period during which animal noise is discerned in each of the ten one-minute intervals therein. Article 9 expressly does not supersede the separate animal-noise provision at Albuquerque Code section 9-2-4-7 ('animal noise'), which is preserved by section 9-9-12(A). The City directs barking-dog complaints to the online noise complaint form or 311, noting that zoos and animal shelters are exempt.
Violations & Fines
A barking-animal violation under section 9-9-4(C) is a civil violation enforced under section 9-9-11 ($250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third within 36 months). Animal Welfare may also act under the separate section 9-2-4-7 animal-noise rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a dog bark to violate the ordinance?
Are any animals exempt from the barking rule?
Who do I call about a barking dog at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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