Bristol, PA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 2-301 records the Borough Council's finding that excessive sound is detrimental to the physical, mental and social well-being of residents and is a public health and welfare hazard, which is the stated reason for Part 3 of Chapter 2. The operative rule is § 2-302. It is illegal within the Borough for any person to own, possess, harbor or control any animal or bird that makes noise continuously or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes, or intermittently for 1/2 hour or more, to the disturbance of any person.

The rule is not limited to dogs. It reaches any animal or bird, so a barking dog, a crowing rooster or a screeching parrot falls under the same two time tests. It applies at any time of the day or night, and it applies regardless of whether the animal or bird is physically situated in or upon private property. The code states that such noise is a nuisance, so a complainant does not need to prove any further harm beyond the disturbance of a person.

The code builds in one provocation defense. The rule does not apply when, at the time the animal or bird is making the noise, a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon the private property where the animal is situated, or when there is any other legitimate cause that justifiably provoked the animal or bird.

Section 2-303 adds a narrow exception: Part 3 does not prohibit agricultural operations protected from nuisance suits by the Right to Farm Act. That exception does not cover a household pet.

Because Chapter 2 also covers animal control, an owner whose dog is both loud and loose can face citations under more than one Part, and each section found violated counts as a separate offense under the penalty clause.