La Plata County, CO Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 10-30(V) defines the offense two ways. Loud, habitual and persistent barking, howling, yelping or whining that lasts a continuous twenty minutes is a per se nuisance. Shorter episodes also count if the noise disturbs the peace of a reasonable person.

The process is complaint driven. An animal control officer can issue a written warning after receiving a complaint from one neighbor who signs a written statement attesting to the nuisance barking. The owner then has ten days after the warning to correct the problem. The warning must cite the section, state that a complaint was received, and identify the date, time and dogs. It counts as given if personally served, posted on the owner's premises or mailed by certified mail, and it serves as notice to all members of the premises.

A citation or summons and complaint can follow only after that ten day grace period and within six months of the warning. One neighbor must sign a written statement verifying the allegations. Owners of vacant land are not neighbors and cannot complain, and anonymous complaints are not accepted. The complainant statement must give the property address, a description of the dog, and the date and duration of the alleged violation. The county recommends unaltered digital or video recordings as evidence. A second or later offense charged within six months of the first citation can be cited without a new warning, whether or not the dog is the same.

Provocation of a dog is an affirmative defense. Working dogs, permitted facilities and veterinary hospitals that comply with land use and licensing rules are exempt, but guard dogs are not. Section 10-31 confines enforcement to unincorporated La Plata County, and the District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District prosecutes, with the option of referring people to mediation before a summons is issued.