Apple Valley, MN Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Apple Valley, MN, 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
- Standard
- Animal that habitually barks, cries, whimpers or emits loud noises
- Applies to
- Any animal, not only dogs
- Base penalty
- Petty misdemeanor under § 91.19(A)
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor after two convictions in ten years
- Hearing officer power
- Can order destruction or other disposition of the animal
- Hearing request window
- 14 days after written notice to owner
Summary
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, § 91.19(A) makes it a public nuisance to keep or harbor any animal that habitually barks, cries, whimpers or otherwise emits loud or unusual noises. A violation is a petty misdemeanor, and two convictions within ten years raise the next one to a misdemeanor.
The following are deemed public nuisances: (A) Noise. No person shall keep or harbor any animal which habitually barks, cries, whimpers or otherwise emits loud or unusual noises. Except as otherwise provided, a violation of this section is a petty misdemeanor. ... (D) Enhanced penalty. A violation of § 91.19(A) is a misdemeanor if the person has two or more convictions for violating § 91.19(A) during the ten year period preceding the violation.
Full Breakdown
Apple Valley has no decibel or clock-hour rule for animal noise. The standard is behavioral and appears in § 91.19(A) of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances, which lists noise among the conditions deemed public nuisances: no person shall keep or harbor any animal which habitually barks, cries, whimpers or otherwise emits loud or unusual noises. The rule covers every animal, not just dogs, and it turns on the word habitually, so a single episode is not the target. The same section separately makes it a nuisance for an animal to damage or litter a lawn, garden, sandbox or other property, and for an animal to bite or chase a person without provocation.
The code repeats the standard in places where animals are concentrated. Section 91.05(I) bars any kennel or cattery owner from permitting habitual noise from barking, crying, howling or screeching, or any disturbance that unduly impairs the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the surrounding area by other residents. Inside a city off-leash dog area, § 91.17(B)(7) says the owner or supervisor shall not permit the dog to dig or excessively bark.
The remedy goes beyond a citation. Under § 91.21(A)(2), the hearing officer can order destruction or other disposition of an animal found to have habitually barked, cried, whimpered or otherwise emitted loud or unusual noises. The owner is notified in writing of the reasons and given 14 days to request a hearing, and a requested hearing is held before the hearing officer not more than 14 days after the demand. The animal control officer's records are admissible without further foundation. Sworn police officers and community service officers can issue citations under § 91.03(A).
Violations & Fines
Under § 91.19(A), a violation is a petty misdemeanor. Section 91.19(D) raises it to a misdemeanor if the person has two or more convictions for violating § 91.19(A) during the ten year period preceding the violation. A kennel or cattery permit holder can also lose the permit: the City Council can revoke it under § 91.05(K) for a violation of any nuisance ordinance, and the holder has 14 days to appeal in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a barking dog ordinance in Apple Valley, Minnesota?
What is the penalty for a barking dog in Apple Valley?
Can the city remove a dog for excessive barking?
Do kennels have their own noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apple Valley
Compare Apple Valley to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.