Fall River, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Fall River, MA, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- State Law
- MGL Ch. 140 §157
- Fine
- $25 per violation
- Enforcement
- Animal Control Officer / Fall River PD
- Process
- Complaint-based enforcement
Summary
Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a $25 fine. The Animal Control Officer and Fall River PD enforce the provision.
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog... If the hearing authority deems a dog a nuisance dog, the hearing authority may further order that the owner or keeper of the dog take remedial action to ameliorate the cause of the nuisance behavior.
Full Breakdown
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Section 157, a dog deemed a nuisance dog due to habitual barking may be subject to enforcement action. Fall River's animal ordinance provides for noncriminal citations. Dog owners who fail to control nuisance barking face escalating penalties. Complaints can be filed with Fall River Animal Control or the Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules about barking dogs in Fall River?
How do I file a noise complaint about a barking dog in Fall River?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle barking dogs.