Barking dog rules in Boston, MA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Boston regulates barking dogs under its general noise ordinance and state nuisance law. Persistent barking exceeding decibel thresholds can result in fines and animal control intervention.
Barking dogs fall under BMC 16-26 unreasonable noise provisions when they exceed 50 dB at night or 70 dB during the day at the property line. Complaints are filed with Boston Animal Control through the 311 system. State law MGL c. 140 Section 157 allows cities to declare dogs a nuisance. The Boston Public Health Commission can order abatement. Chronic offenders may face dangerous dog proceedings under MGL c. 140 Section 157.
Noise violations follow standard BMC 16-26 fines of $50-$300. Nuisance dog determinations can lead to restrictions, required confinement, or removal under state law.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle barking dogs.
See how Boston's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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