Howell, NJ Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Howell Township Code § 57-7C, in the dogs and cats chapter, sets the main barking rule. A dog cannot annoy neighbors or other persons in the immediate vicinity by loud, frequent or habitual continuous barking, howling or yelping for more than 20 continuous minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or more than 15 continuous minutes between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The code defines "continuous" as uninterrupted, unbroken, not intermittent or occasional, so persistently repeated at short intervals as to constitute virtually an unbroken series.

Section 57-7D makes a complaint easier to prove. In a Municipal Court proceeding before the Township Judge, once the court finds the dog committed the prohibited acts, the owner, possessor or harborer is presumed to have suffered or permitted them, and the complainant does not have to prove knowledge or intent. The presumption applies only if the complainant lodged at least one earlier complaint with the Howell Township Police Department charging the same defendant with the same offense and the defendant had notice of it.

Chapter 208 runs a second test. Section 208-9G makes it unlawful to allow any domesticated or caged animal to create a sound across a real property line that unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort and repose of any resident, or to refuse to stop when ordered by a Noise Control Officer or Investigator. Prima facie evidence includes vocalizing for five minutes without interruption, defined as an average of four or more vocalizations per minute, or vocalizing for 20 minutes intermittently, defined as an average of two vocalizations or more per minute. It is an affirmative defense that the dog or other animal was intentionally provoked. Article III, § 211-8A(3), also lists keeping animals or birds that cause frequent or long-continued noise.