Horry County, SC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Horry County, SC, 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
- Governing section
- Horry County Code 4-3
- Standard
- Public nuisance, not decibels
- Covered conduct
- Creating excessive noise
- Large animals
- Sec. 4-23 (same rule)
- Enforcement
- Animal Care & Control / Police
Summary
Horry County does not put a barking dog under its general noise chapter but under its animal code. Section 4-3 makes it unlawful for an owner to let any animal create a public nuisance, which expressly includes creating excessive noise. Persistent barking can be cited to the owner.
No person owning, harboring, keeping in possession, or having custody or control of any animal shall permit such animal to create a public nuisance. Public nuisance shall include, but not be limited to, the following: creating excessive noise; molesting people; chasing vehicles...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).
Full Breakdown
Rather than a decibel rule, Horry County regulates animal noise through Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl), Article I, Section 4-3 (Care and treatment; creating public nuisance). The section states no person owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animal shall permit it to create a public nuisance, and lists 'creating excessive noise' first among the enumerated nuisances (with molesting people, chasing vehicles, and running at large). Section 4-23 applies the same public-nuisance standard to large animals. Complaints in the unincorporated county go to Horry County Animal Care & Control and the police. The general noise ordinance (13-32(a)) can also reach animal noise as an excessive, unusually loud noise that disturbs neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Allowing an animal to create a public nuisance is a misdemeanor. Under Sec. 4-3 and Sec. 1-8, a convicted owner faces up to $500 or 30 days, each day a separate offense. Animal Care & Control may cite repeat offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a barking-dog law in Horry County?
How do I report a constantly barking dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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