Lexington County, SC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Chapter 10's Animal Control article defines the trigger before it bans anything. ' That single sentence covers both a loose dog and a dog that simply barks too much for its neighbors, and it's the definition animal control officers apply when they investigate a complaint. ' The same subsection sets a procedural condition on the complaint itself: 'Any person reporting a violation of subsection (g), must identify himself to the animal control officer and must sign a public nuisance log,' so an anonymous tip alone won't trigger enforcement action against a barking dog.

Enforcement runs through Lexington County Animal Services rather than the sheriff's noise unit; Section 10-43 puts animal control officers, appointed as county code enforcement officers or commissioned law enforcement, in charge of the article in the unincorporated county, with the sheriff's department available as backup if animal control can't respond. Once a violation is confirmed, officers have discretion under Section 10-43(g) to impound the dog, issue a notice of violation, or issue a court summons. Section 10-44 sets the penalty for any violation of the animal control article, including the public nuisance rule: 'The violation of any section of this article shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable under magistrate's court jurisdiction,' meaning a barking dog complaint that reaches a signed nuisance log and a summons can end in a criminal conviction, not just a warning.