Stark County, OH Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Stark County, OH, 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
- Canton citation
- Cod. Ord. 509.03(b)(2)
- Standard
- Frequent or long-continued noise
- County enforcer
- Stark County Dog Warden (ORC 955)
- Numeric limit
- None; nuisance-based
- Penalty
- Minor misdemeanor
Summary
Stark County has no standalone barking-dog noise code, but Canton lists animal noise as a prohibited nuisance: keeping any animal or bird whose frequent or long-continued noise disturbs neighbors violates Codified Ordinance 509.03. Complaints also go to the Stark County Dog Warden.
The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.
(3) Defects in vehicle or load . The use of any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.
(4) Loading, unloading, etc . The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers.
(5) Motor vehicle exhaust . The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any motor vehicle, or internal combustion engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom. (1964 Code §507.49)
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026-01: Local legislation current through May 18, 2026 | State legislation current through December 31, 2025).
Full Breakdown
Canton's noise ordinance expressly names animals: Codified Ordinance 509.03(b)(2) declares it a loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise to keep 'any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.' This is a nuisance standard, not a decibel or minute count. Statewide, the Stark County Dog Warden enforces Ohio Revised Code Chapter 955 (licensing, running at large), but persistent barking is handled as a local noise nuisance rather than under state dog law. Unincorporated residents can also pursue the county Health Department's nuisance-abatement process.
Violations & Fines
A barking-dog nuisance under Canton 509.03 is a minor misdemeanor. The Dog Warden separately enforces ORC 955 licensing and at-large violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a barking time limit in Stark County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stark County
Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview
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