Kokomo, IN Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Kokomo, IN, 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 definition
- § 90.01, "PUBLIC NUISANCE" item (4)
- Prohibition
- § 90.02(D), unlawful to permit a nuisance
- First-offense fine
- $250 under § 90.99
- Third-offense consequence
- $500 fine plus impoundment, § 90.02(H)
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Animal Services (Kokomo Humane Society)
Summary
Kokomo's animal code treats a dog that barks, whines, or howls excessively as a public nuisance. Section 90.01 defines that conduct, and § 90.02(D) makes it unlawful for an owner to permit an animal to become a public nuisance or to carelessly fail to control it. The Department of Animal Services, run by the Kokomo Humane Society, enforces the rule with a rising civil fine schedule.
“PUBLIC NUISANCE.” Any animal or animals that: ... (4) Bark, whine, or howl in an excessive or continuous fashion, unreasonable under the circumstances, as to violate the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. ... (D) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit the animal to be a public nuisance within the city. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful for any owner of any animal to recklessly or carelessly fail to exercise care and control over the animal in such a way that the animal is a public nuisance. ... REFERENCE FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE THIRD OFFENSE ... Public nuisance $250 $400 $500
Full Breakdown
Under § 90.01, a "PUBLIC NUISANCE" includes any animal that barks, whines, or howls in an excessive or continuous fashion, unreasonable under the circumstances, so as to violate the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, alongside animals that attack passers-by, damage property, or go unconfined while in heat. Section 90.02(D) turns that definition into an enforceable duty: it is unlawful for an owner to permit an animal to be a public nuisance, and separately unlawful for an owner to recklessly or carelessly fail to exercise control over the animal in a way that makes it a nuisance.
The Department of Animal Services, the animal care and control arm of the Kokomo Humane Society under contract with the city, is primarily responsible for enforcement under § 90.98, with additional enforcement available through the Kokomo City Attorney under IC 36-1-6-3. A complaint about chronic barking is handled as a public-nuisance case rather than a separate noise ordinance, since Chapter 90 is the only place the conduct is addressed by name in the printed code.
Violations & Fines
Section 90.99's fine schedule lists a public-nuisance violation at $250 for a first offense, $400 for a second, and $500 for a third within the chapter's civil fine structure. Under § 90.02(H), a violation carries at least the § 90.99 amount, and the animal is seized and impounded on a third violation of the section regardless of the specific nuisance behavior involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a barking dog against the law in Kokomo?
How much is the fine for a nuisance barking dog in Kokomo?
Who enforces the barking dog rule in Kokomo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kokomo
Compare Kokomo to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.