Barking dog rules in Fresno, CA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Fresno Municipal Code section 9-2701(a) makes it unlawful to keep any dog which by habitual and continual barking, howling, or whining disturbs the peace and comfort of any neighborhood. Violation is an infraction, and the Noise Ordinance separately lists animal noise (section 10-105(b)) among regulated sources.
Barking dogs in Fresno are governed mainly by the City's animal regulations rather than the decibel-based Noise Ordinance. Fresno Municipal Code section 9-2701 ('Keeping of Dogs') provides in subsection (a) that 'no person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained, upon any premises, any dog which by habitual and continual barking, howling or whining shall disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property by any person.' Subsection (b) bars keeping a dog that 'habitually commits a nuisance upon the property of any other person,' subsection (c) covers an unconfined dog that 'habitually attacks, or barks at passing pedestrians, vehicles or other users of the public sidewalks,' and subsection (d) states that 'violation of this section is an infraction.' The City Attorney may also seek a temporary restraining order or injunction under FMC section 1-304(f). Animal noise is additionally listed in Noise Ordinance section 10-105(b), which reaches 'animals or fowl creating, generating, or emitting any cry or behavioral sound.' Complaints in the City of Fresno are handled by Code Enforcement / Animal Services, and matters can be prosecuted as infractions in Fresno County Superior Court.
Violation of section 9-2701 is an infraction (sec. 9-2701(d)). Under FMC 1-304(c), infraction fines run up to $100 (first), $200 (second within a year), and $500 (each additional within a year); the City may alternatively issue an Administrative Citation ($250 / $500 / $1,000). The City Attorney may also seek injunctive relief under FMC 1-304(f) with attorney's fees.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle barking dogs.
See how Fresno's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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