Chicopee, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

In the City of Chicopee, Massachusetts, barking is handled through the animal chapter rather than the Noise chapter: Chapter 200 carries a general reference that sends dogs and other animals to Chapter 144. Section 144-1 defines a public nuisance as any animal that, among other things, barks, whines or howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area. Section 144-4(B) requires every owner to exercise proper care and control of his or her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.

Subsection E of § 144-4 sets the barking fine on a graduated scale: first offense, $25; second offense, $50; third and subsequent offenses, $100. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and Board of Health officials are empowered to issue citations under § 144-6(B).

Separately, § 144-23 gives neighbors a written route. Any person can file a written complaint with the Board of Health or its designee that a dog owned or kept in the City is a nuisance or dangerous dog, and an animal control officer can start a special hearing before the Board of Health. Barking alone does not support that designation: § 144-23(B)(1) says no dog shall be declared a nuisance or dangerous dog solely based upon growling or barking, and breed alone is also excluded. If the Board of Health does declare a dog a nuisance dog, it can order measures ranging from humane restraint and confinement to the owner's premises to muzzling, sterilization and microchipping, up to banning the dog from the City. If there are no additional instances of the behavior within a thirty-six-month period from the date of designation, the dog comes off the list.