Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Chapter 33 of the Monroe Township Code (Middlesex County) sets the barking standard. Section 33-13 defines a noise disturbance as sounds made from any animal or bird, frequently or for continued duration, that creates a disturbance across a residential real property line. For dogs the Code prints two measurable triggers: barking continuously for 10 minutes, or barking intermittently for 30 minutes.

The Noise chapter repeats the same standard. Section 69-7B(4) lists, among the acts no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit, owning, possessing or harboring any animal or bird that frequently or for continued duration makes sounds that create a noise disturbance across a residential real property line, and it restates the 10-minute and 30-minute barking definition.

Section 33-15D puts a duty on the owner: no owner shall fail to exercise proper control of his dog to prevent it from becoming a public nuisance, and creating a noise disturbance is deemed a nuisance. Section 33-15E assigns enforcement of that section to the Animal Control Officer and Public Health Official of the Township of Monroe.

Under Chapter 69, a Noise Control Officer issues a notice of violation, or in place of a notice can issue an abatement order requiring abatement within a reasonable time period (§ 69-9). No abatement order is issued for a willful or knowing violation, or when the officer has reason to believe there will not be compliance.

Chapter 76, Peace and Good Order, adds a separate prohibition at § 76-1A(28): no person shall keep or harbor any dog which shall disturb the neighborhood by excessive barking, whining or howling. Each chapter carries its own penalty clause, listed below.