Barking dog rules in Fullerton, 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.
Fullerton contracts with OC Animal Care to enforce Orange County's barking-dog ordinance: a dog barking incessantly for 30 minutes or barking intermittently for a cumulative 60 minutes within any 24-hour period constitutes a public nuisance.
Animal nuisance enforcement in the City of Fullerton is delegated to Orange County Animal Care under the Orange County Codified Ordinances. Per OCCO §§ 4-1-3 and 4-1-59, a 'barking dog' is defined as a dog that 'barks, bays, cries, howls or makes any noise for an extended period of time to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night, regardless of whether the dog is physically situated in or upon private property.' An 'extended period of time' means 30 minutes or more of continuous (incessant) noise, or 60 minutes or more of accumulated intermittent (on/off) noise in any 24-hour period. The complaint process requires a written complaint submitted (by email to barkingdogdesk@occr.ocgov.com, by fax to 714-259-1088, or by mail to OC Animal Care, 1630 Victory Road, Tustin, CA 92782). A Property/Evidence Officer issues a 10-day courtesy notice to the owner. If a second complaint is filed within 30 days, the complainant signs a sworn affidavit and a citation is issued; the citation may be contested at an administrative hearing.
Citations are issued after a second complaint within 30 days and require a sworn affidavit. The administrative hearing is binding; if upheld, the responsible party has 30 days to pay the fine. Persistent nuisance can also be enforced under FMC § 15.90.030 decibel limits and California Penal Code § 415 (disturbing the peace) where applicable.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle barking dogs.
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