Fort Worth, TX Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Fort Worth, TX, 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
- Duration
- 10 minutes continuous
- Code Section
- Sec. 23-8, Sec. 6-12
- dB Meter
- Not required
- Report
- 817-392-1234
Summary
Fort Worth Sec. 23-8 and Sec. 6-12 make it unlawful to keep dogs or roosters creating bark, cry, crow, or other sound on frequent, repetitive, or continuous basis for 10 minutes or longer. No decibel meter required. Up to $500 fine.
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: ... (5) makes unreasonable noise in a public place other than a sport shooting range, as defined by Section 250.001, Local Government Code, or in or near a private residence that he has no right to occupy ... (c) For purposes of this section: ... (2) a noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth addresses barking dogs through both Section 23-8 (noise ordinance) and Section 6-12 (animal nuisances). It is unlawful to keep any dog, rooster, or other bird or animal that creates bark, cry, crow, or other sound on a frequent, repetitive, or continuous basis for 10 minutes or longer. No decibel meter is required for enforcement: the disturbance standard applies. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. Reports can be made to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control or Code Compliance at 817-392-1234.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500 per offense. Each day a separate violation. No dB meter needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules about barking dogs in Fort Worth?
How do I file a noise complaint about a barking dog in Fort Worth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle barking dogs.