Augusta-Richmond County, GA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Augusta-Richmond County, GA, 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
- Day limit
- 20 consecutive minutes (7am-9pm)
- Night limit
- 10 consecutive minutes (9:01pm-6:59am)
- 24-hour cap
- 120 cumulative minutes
- Enforcer
- Augusta Animal Services
- Prerequisite
- Written warning plus signed complaint
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County caps audible dog barking at 20 minutes straight by day, 10 minutes straight at night, or 120 cumulative minutes in 24 hours.
No person shall allow their dog individually or in combination with another dog or dogs together make, any noises or disturbances by barking, howling, yelping, whining or other utterance which is audible beyond the premises on which the dog is kept, for a consecutive period in excess of twenty (20) minutes during the day (7 A.M. to 9 P.M.) or for a consecutive period in excess of ten (10) minutes during the night (9:01 P.M. to 6:59 A.M.) and/or a cumulative period in excess of one hundred twenty (120) minutes during any twenty four (24) hour period.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Under Code § 4-1-13(b), a dog cannot bark, howl, yelp or whine audibly beyond its owner's property for more than 20 consecutive minutes between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., more than 10 consecutive minutes between 9:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., or more than 120 cumulative minutes in any 24-hour period. Section 4-1-13(a) separately bars habitual barking that disturbs a neighborhood's peace. Enforcement requires a signed written warning plus a signed complaint before Animal Services can cite the owner, unless an officer personally witnesses the noise or the complainant supplies dated corroborating evidence such as video.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor; each violation is a separate offense. A written warning and signed complaint must precede any citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited the first time I complain?
Does this apply in Blythe or Hephzibah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia noise ordinances overview
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