Barking dog rules in Des Moines, IA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Des Moines prohibits keeping animals that create excessive noise disturbing neighbors under Chapter 18 (Animals) and the noise control ordinance. Persistent barking dogs are treated as a nuisance and Animal Control handles complaints.
Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 18 governs animal regulations. Dogs that bark excessively and disturb the peace of neighbors constitute a nuisance. The noise control ordinance in Chapter 42 also applies to animal noise. Complaints are handled by Des Moines Animal Control. The city may issue warnings followed by citations. All dogs in Des Moines must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Dogs running at large are a separate violation under Chapter 18. Repeat nuisance animal complaints may result in the animal being declared a nuisance animal with additional restrictions on the owner.
Simple misdemeanor. Fines starting at approximately $100, escalating for repeat offenses. Nuisance animal designation possible.
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See how Des Moines's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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