Bartholomew County, IN Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

01 defines NUISANCE broadly, and two of its four listed conditions target barking dogs directly: a dog that barks consistently, or at intervals, while chasing bicycles or automobiles on county streets and sidewalks, and a dog that barks consistently enough to disturb the peace of the neighborhood. The other two conditions cover an animal that damages shrubbery, lawns or flowers causing general neighborhood discomfort, and an accumulation of animal excreta that creates an odor or health nuisance. 04(D) then converts that definition into a prohibition: it is unlawful for anyone in unincorporated Bartholomew County to keep or harbor an animal that creates a nuisance, or one whose loud and frequent or habitual barking, howling or yelping causes annoyance or disturbance to the neighborhood.

01, meaning the complaining neighbor's identity is known to the Animal Control Officer, Sheriff's Department or Health Department and becomes a matter of public record. The Animal Control Officer, Sheriff or a Health Department employee can then issue an OFFICIAL WARNING, a written notice to the owner, before a citation is written. The Animal Control Commission, five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners, oversees the program and can recommend changes to the rules to the Board.