Blue Springs, MO Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

In the City of Blue Springs, Missouri, Section 230.030(A)(4) of the Noise Control Ordinance targets animal and bird noise directly: it is unlawful to own, possess or harbor any animal or bird that, frequently or for a continued duration, howls, barks, meows, squawks or makes other sounds creating a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary. Section 230.020 gives both timing terms precise meaning rather than leaving them to interpretation: 'FREQUENTLY' means one or more times in every thirty-minute period for at least four of five successive thirty-minute periods, and 'CONTINUED DURATION' means fifteen or more minutes.

A 'noise disturbance' under the same Section is sound that endangers or injures the health or safety of humans or animals, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, or endangers real property. The rule applies to the animal's owner, possessor or harborer, not just anyone who happens to be present, so a landlord or pet-sitter can also be cited. Enforcement runs through Section 230.050, which channels every Chapter 230 violation into the general penalty of Section 100.080, a fine up to $500, up to ninety days in jail, or both, with each day of continuing noise a separate offense, and the City may seek a Circuit Court injunction under Section 230.060 against a chronic barking complaint.