Bozeman, MT Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Bozeman, MT, 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
- Noise-article standard
- Frequent or habitual noise disturbing a reasonable person
- Complaints go to
- Animal control officer
- Animal code first offense
- Fine of $100.00 to $200.00
- Municipal infraction
- $100.00, reduced to $50.00 if paid in ten business days
- Noise-article first offense
- Up to $500.00 fine or six months jail
- Charge type
- Criminal or infraction, chosen by officer, chief or city attorney
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, it is unlawful to own, keep or harbor an animal that by frequent or habitual howling, barking, meowing, squawking or other noise disturbs a normally sensitive and reasonable person. Complaints go to the animal control officer, and penalties reach $500.00.
A.It is unlawful to perform any of the following acts anywhere within the city's jurisdictional limits: ... 3.Animals. Owning, keeping, having in possession or harboring any animals which, by frequent or habitual howling, barking, meowing, squawking, or any other noise as to disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person, or as defined in section 8.02.010.A.13.d.
Full Breakdown
Bozeman Municipal Code § 16.06.050.A.3 bans owning, keeping, having in possession or harboring any animal that, by frequent or habitual howling, barking, meowing, squawking or any other noise, disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person. The same item also reaches noise as defined in section 8.02.010.A.13.d.
That cross-reference points to the animal code's nuisance definition. Section 8.02.010.A.13 defines a nuisance as any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than their owners, to enjoyment of life or property. Item d lists any animal that makes disturbing noises including continued and repeated howling, barking, whining, crowing or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored. Crowing is named alongside barking, so a noisy rooster is covered as well as a dog.
Section 8.02.120 makes it unlawful to own, harbor, keep or maintain a nuisance animal. Any person aggrieved can file a complaint with the animal control officer. When the offense was not committed in the officer's presence, the officer investigates and issues an appropriate criminal or civil citation, or requests prosecution through the city attorney. Under § 8.02.180, the person who obtained the license for the dog or animal is deemed responsible for the violation unless ownership was transferred before it. Under § 8.02.190, the animal control officer, chief of police or city attorney decides whether a violation is a criminal violation or a municipal infraction, and the offenses carry absolute liability.
An animal condition can also be declared a public nuisance: § 16.02.050.B.5 lists any condition in violation of chapter 8, and B.6 covers a kennel without proper provisions for protecting surrounding properties from odor and sound.
Violations & Fines
Under the animal code, a misdemeanor conviction carries a fine of not less than $100.00 and not to exceed $200.00 for a first offense, $200.00 to $300.00 for a second, and $300.00 to $500.00 for a third (§ 8.02.200.A.2). A municipal infraction carries a $100.00 civil penalty, reduced to $50.00 if paid within ten business days of service of the citation. Charges under the noise article carry a fine of not more than $500.00 or six months in the county jail or both for a first offense (§ 16.06.100.B.1).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barking counts as a nuisance in Bozeman?
Who do I call about a barking dog?
Is a barking violation a crime or a ticket?
Who is responsible, the owner or the license holder?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
Compare Bozeman to another location·View the Montana noise ordinances overview
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