Lawrence, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Lawrence, MA, 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
- Lawrence Code § 6.04.100
- Standard
- Barking that is excessive, continuous or untimely
- Enforcing agency
- Animal control officer, police, board of health
- First-offense citation
- $50.00, due within 21 days
- Repeat citation
- $100.00 per subsequent offense
- License revocation trigger
- 3+ violations in 12 months
Summary
Lawrence law makes it illegal to let a dog or other animal become a nuisance through excessive barking, whining or howling. Section 6.04.100 sets the standard: barking that is 'excessive, continuous, or untimely' and disturbs the peace of an area is a violation the animal control officer or police can act on, apart from any leash or licensing rule.
No person who owns or keeps an animal shall allow such animal to become a nuisance by reason of vicious disposition, being a dangerous animal, excessive barking, or other disturbance, or that by such barking or other disturbance is a source of annoyance to any such person. Animal behavior which constitutes a nuisance includes, but is not limited to, the following: A.Molesting passersby or passing vehicles (including bicycles); B.Attacking persons or domestic animals, trespassing on school grounds or other public property, repeated and consistent instances of wandering unrestrained, damaging public or private property, barking, whining or howling in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
' The section lists qualifying behavior, including animals that 'bark, whine, or howl in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion,' alongside molesting passersby, attacking other animals, trespassing on school grounds and damaging property. 240(F). 110.
Violations & Fines
A barking-dog nuisance citation carries the same schedule as other Chapter 6.04 violations: $50.00 for a first offense and $100.00 for the second and any later offense within the same 12-month licensing period, payable within 21 days under § 6.04.240(G). Unpaid citations can escalate to a criminal warrant before a magistrate. The city can also revoke an owner's animal license after three violations within 12 months under § 6.04.240(H).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a barking dog against the law in Lawrence?
Who do I call about a neighbor's barking dog?
What's the fine for a barking-dog citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
Compare Lawrence to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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