Appleton, WI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Sec. 12-27 defines a public nuisance as a condition or use of property that substantially annoys, injures or endangers the public's comfort, health, repose or safety. Sec. 12-30 lists specific acts declared public nuisances affecting the peace and safety of the city, and item (10) singles out the keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl whose frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or other noise greatly annoys or disturbs a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons within the city. Sec. 12-26 sets the penalty for any Article II nuisance violation, including barking, at the general forfeiture schedule in Sec.

1-16: a first offense forfeits not less than $1 nor more than $200 plus costs of prosecution, with imprisonment in the county jail if the forfeiture and costs go unpaid; a second or subsequent conviction for the same violation forfeits $10 to $500 per offense. The City enforces nuisance ordinances, including barking-dog complaints, through the citation method it elected under Sec. 1-17 pursuant to Wis. 0113, rather than requiring a full criminal complaint. Appleton's separate noise ordinance reinforces the same conduct: Sec. 12-80(d) makes it unlawful to own, possess or harbor any animal or bird that frequently or for continued duration makes sound creating a noise disturbance, giving the Police or Health Department an alternate enforcement path under Article IV.