Columbus, IN Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

The animal noise rule sits in the Common Council's noise chapter, Chapter 8.28 of the Columbus Municipal Code, and applies inside the City of Columbus in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Section 8.28.040(A) lists, among the specific noises prohibited, the keeping of any animal which by causing frequent or long continued noise disturbs the comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity. The rule is not tied to a decibel reading or a clock hour. The test is the effect on people nearby: frequent or long continued noise.

The chapter defines animal as any live non-human vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, so the rule reaches more than dogs. It also declares that the list of specific noises is not exclusive. Section 8.28.030 separately makes it unlawful to make, continue or cause any loud, unnecessary, unusual or raucous noise, or any noise that annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others.

The lead-in to § 8.28.040 adds a criminal hook. A person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally makes unreasonable noise and continues after being asked to stop by a police or code enforcement officer is in violation of disorderly conduct as defined in I.C. 35-45-1-3(a)(2). Under § 8.28.050, anyone can file a written, oral or telephone complaint with the police department or the code enforcement office, which must investigate as soon as reasonably practical. If the investigation supports a reasonable belief that a violation occurred, the city may issue a citation or notice. The penalty clause covers anyone who violates the chapter or fails to comply when asked by the police department or code enforcement office to cease the activity.