Colonie, NY Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Colonie's dog ordinance is in Chapter 79 of the Town Code (Article I, Dogs), enacted under the authority of Article 7 of the New York Agriculture and Markets Law. All dogs four months of age or older residing in the Town must be licensed by the Town Clerk; proof of current rabies vaccination is required, and the license must be renewed at each expiration date. The barking-disturbance provision is at Section 79-12 (or equivalent in the current version) and operates in parallel with Chapter 135 (Noise Control). The text: 'No person who owns or has immediate control over a dog shall permit such dog to cause annoyance, alarm, or noise disturbance for more than 15 minutes at any time of the day or night by repeated barking, whining, screeching, howling, braying or other like sounds which can be heard beyond the boundary of such person's property.' The same article additionally prohibits owners from allowing their dogs to habitually chase or bark at motor vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians. The Animal Control Officer within the Colonie Police Department investigates complaints; the non-emergency line is (518) 783-2744. State law backstop: Article 7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law (Section 106 et seq.) supplies licensing, rabies, and dangerous-dog provisions. NY Penal Law Section 240.20(2) (disorderly conduct by unreasonable noise) is independently available where an owner recklessly allows persistent barking.