Barking dog rules in Dorchester County, SC — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Unincorporated Dorchester County treats a persistently barking dog under the general noise ordinance, Sec. 28-2, while Summerville's Sec. 12-34 specifically bans keeping any animal whose frequent or long-continued barking disturbs neighbors of ordinary sensibilities.
A constantly barking dog is handled differently depending on where you live in Dorchester County. In unincorporated areas the general noise ordinance, Sec. 28-2, treats animal noise that causes physical discomfort or disturbs the public peace as unlawful, and animal control responds to nuisance complaints. Summerville names it outright: Sec. 12-34 makes it a nuisance to keep any animal, including a bird, causing frequent or long-continued noise such as barking, howling, or screeching that disturbs a neighbor of ordinary sensibilities. Officers typically build a log of dates and times before citing the owner.
Barking that disturbs neighbors is a misdemeanor nuisance; under Sec. 1-8 the county penalty is up to $500 or 30 days, with each day a separate offense.
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See how Dorchester County's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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