Los Angeles County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Los Angeles County, CA, 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
- Trigger for violation
- Excessive noise must continue after written Department warning
- Definition of excessive noise
- Unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive, or interfering with enjoyment of property
- Enforcement agency
- LA County Department of Animal Care and Control
- Applies to
- All animals, not just dogs
Summary
After a written warning from the Department, owners are prohibited from allowing their animal to emit excessive noise that unreasonably disturbs neighbors in unincorporated LA County.
It is unlawful for an owner or custodian of an animal to allow the animal to emit any excessive noise after the Department has issued a written warning notice of an excessive noise complaint. For purposes of this section, the term 'excessive noise' means a noise that is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive, or that unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 10.40.060 makes it unlawful for an owner or custodian to allow an animal to emit excessive noise after the Department of Animal Care and Control has issued a written warning notice following an excessive noise complaint. 'Excessive noise' is defined as noise that is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, or offensive, or that unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property. The requirement for a prior written warning before a violation attaches gives owners an opportunity to remedy the problem before facing enforcement action.
Violations & Fines
Allowing an animal to continue making excessive noise after receiving a written warning notice from the Department of Animal Care and Control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for my dog's barking the first time a neighbor complains?
Does the excessive noise rule apply to cats and other animals, not just dogs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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