Bristol Township, PA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 129-3A of the Bristol Township Code is the animal noise rule. It declares a nuisance the possessing, harboring or keeping of an animal or bird which makes any noise continuously and/or persistently for a period of 15 minutes or more, in such a manner as to disturb or annoy any person. The rule applies at any time of the day or night and regardless of whether the animal is situated upon private property, so a backyard dog is covered the same as a loose one.

The 15-minute figure is the only duration the code prints for animal noise. The standard is continuous or persistent noise, which means repeated barking that adds up over the period counts alongside a single unbroken stretch. The responsible person is the one who possesses, harbors or keeps the animal. Section 129-5B reaches any person or business entity, including an owner, renter, user or possessor.

The Nuisances chapter backs this up. Section 134-2G lists all unnecessary or unauthorized noises and annoying vibrations, including animal noises, as a nuisance, and § 134-1 defines a nuisance to include any condition that injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others. Section 134-3 makes it unlawful to cause, permit, maintain or allow a nuisance to exist.

Section 129-4 lists the exceptions to Chapter 129, namely emergency alerts, emergency work, permitted public gatherings, warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles, and emergency snow removal equipment. None of them covers a barking dog. Any full- or part-time Bristol Township police officer can issue a summary citation specifying the nature, date and time of the violation, and the Township can also bring an action for injunctive relief to abate a violation.