Madison, AL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Madison, AL, 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
- Dog-specific noise section?
- No; general prohibition applies
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-172 plus Ch. 6
- Responsible party
- Owner/custodian presumed
- State backstop
- Ala. Code 13A-11-7
- Standard
- Unreasonable disturbance
Summary
Madison's noise ordinance has no dog-specific section, but its general prohibition on loud, unnecessary noise that unreasonably disturbs neighbors applies to persistent barking. Animal-control provisions sit in Chapter 6; state disorderly-conduct law is a backstop.
It shall be unlawful for any person within the corporate limits of the City to make, produce, cause, continue, allow or permit any loud, excessive, unusual or unnecessary noise which unreasonably interferes with the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety or welfare of others inside the corporate limits of the City.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14, Art. XI does not name animals, so a habitually barking dog is handled under the general prohibition of Sec. 14-172 (loud, excessive or unnecessary noise unreasonably interfering with a neighbor's repose) and through the City's Animal Control chapter (Municode Ch. 6). The person having care, custody or control of the source is presumed responsible under Sec. 14-178. Alabama Code 13A-11-7 (disorderly conduct – unreasonable noise) is a further state-level backstop. No decibel figure is set; audibility and unreasonable disturbance govern.
Violations & Fines
Noise-ordinance fines start at $100 and rise to $250 then $500 plus 24 hours jail; animal-control penalties and abatement are handled separately under Chapter 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a set number of minutes of barking that is illegal?
Who do I call about a barking dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
Compare Madison to another location·View the Alabama noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle barking dogs.