Minnetonka, MN Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 925.085(5) of the Minnetonka City Code bars a person from owning, keeping or possessing an animal that unreasonably causes annoyance or disturbance to another person by frequent howling, yelping, barking or other noise. The rule covers every animal, not only dogs. The code defines the phrase through a five-minute test: noise that can be heard by any person, including an animal control officer or a law enforcement officer, from a location outside of the unit, building or premises where the animal is kept, occurring repeatedly over at least a five-minute period with one minute or less of lapse between each noise.

The defendant has a defense. The noise is not a violation if the defendant can affirmatively prove it occurred because of harassment or injury to the animal from someone or something other than the owner or keeper, or because of a trespass on the property where the animal was located. When a violation occurs, the enforcing officer has discretion to issue or not issue a citation, based on the officer's good judgment and the circumstances.

Enforcement belongs to the chief of police, the health authority and their designees under section 925.010. Authorized city personnel can enter premises at reasonable times when there is reasonable belief a violation has occurred (section 925.015). A female dog in season must be confined indoors or in a secure enclosure so she does not attract other animals that engage in continued barking, yelping or howling (section 925.080(1)(e)). Permits for multiple animal locations can carry conditions to protect neighbors from unreasonable noise (section 925.065(3)). Repeat problems escalate: an animal that is the subject of a violation of Chapter 925 more than two times in a 24-month period is a public nuisance animal under section 925.085(4), and the owner can lose ownership rights through section 925.110.