Brockton, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 3-4 defines a "nuisance animal" as one that, among other things, "barks, whines or howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area." Section 3-7(b) sets the operative test: an owner may not allow a dog to "habitually bark, howl, whine, or other loud noise and continue noise (in excess of fifteen (15) minutes) resulting in a serious annoyance or interference which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood." The rule covers any animal, not only dogs, and applies whether the noise is heard on the owner's property or on public land such as parks, cemeteries and public ways under Section 3-7(a).

Enforcement runs through the animal control officer, who along with animal inspectors, humane officers, police officers and board of health officers may issue a citation under Section 3-8(f). A complaint that rises to a formal nuisance-dog designation goes through the hearing process in Section 3-11: the chief of police, a hearing officer designated by the mayor, an animal control officer, or any other city officer or employee the mayor designates may initiate a complaint and hearing under section 157(d) of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. An owner may appeal a nuisance-dog finding to district court, and while that appeal is pending the hearing officer, working with the law department, may petition the court for an impoundment order. The hearing authority can also order signage warning that a dog with a history of complaints lives at the property.

Fines follow the chapter-wide penalty in Section 3-22(1): not less than $50 and not more than $500, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. An owner who accumulates three or more violations in one licensing period can have every license the city has issued to that owner revoked under Section 3-8(h), after which the animal control officer may impound the dog.