Barking dog rules in Guilford County, NC — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
A dog or bird that, by frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort and repose of neighbors is a declared noise violation under Guilford County Code Sec. 11-8(b)(4). There is no fixed minute limit; the sheriff and Animal Services respond to complaints.
Sec. 11-8(b)(4) specifically lists animal noise among prohibited noises: keeping any animal or bird that by frequent or long-continued noise disturbs the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity. There is no set decibel level or number of minutes; enforcement turns on whether the noise is unreasonable given time of day and proximity to homes. Persistent barking may also be handled by Guilford County Animal Services under the county's Chapter 5 animal rules. The noise provision applies to unincorporated areas of the county.
Sheriff or designee may warn, then impose Sec. 11-8 civil penalties of $200, $400 and $500 for repeat offenses within a year; Class 3 misdemeanor also possible.
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See how Guilford County's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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