Meriden, CT Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Chapter 65 of the Meriden Code, adopted by the City Council on September 17, 2015, defines NUISANCE or PUBLIC NUISANCE in Section 65-2 as any dog that endangers the life or health of persons or other animals, or substantially interferes with the right to enjoyment of life or property. The definition lists specific triggers, including a dog that is repeatedly found at-large, is found on public property where dogs are barred, damages another's property, chases vehicles, or, under subsection D, makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to continued and repeated howling, barking or whining that causes annoyance or disturbance to neighbors or others close to the premises where the dog is kept or harbored.

Section 65-3A then makes it unlawful for any person to keep an animal in any place or manner when doing so constitutes a public nuisance or a menace to public health or safety, which reaches a chronically barking dog through the Section 65-2 definition. Section 65-3B sets the penalty at a citation of up to $75, in addition to any other penalties available under the chapter or the Connecticut General Statutes. The chapter's purpose clause, Section 65-1, lets the Animal Control Officer choose whether to proceed under this local ordinance or under Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-327 et seq. governing domestic animals, and Section 65-14 gives the Animal Control Officer authority to order corrective measures such as confinement or a ban on keeping animals, with appeals running through the citation process in Chapter 86.