Nashua, NH Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Nashua's animal-noise framework is codified in Chapter 93 (Animals) of Part II of the Revised Ordinances. The nuisance definition has two independent triggers: (1) animal noise sustained for periods of more than 30 minutes (the duration trigger - any time of day); or (2) animal noise occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (the nighttime trigger - regardless of duration), in either case which would annoy or disturb a person of normal sensibilities. The 30-minute duration trigger is shorter than many comparable New Hampshire municipal regimes (some neighboring towns require 15 minutes; some require continuous barking only). The 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. nighttime window is the city's de facto animal quiet-hours rule. The chapter places the abatement burden on the owner: the owner of any animal who fails, by appropriate action, to effectively abate such a nuisance after being requested to do so by any person, shall be guilty of a violation. The 'requested to do so by any person' standard means a neighbor's documented request - not just a police-issued order - triggers the abatement duty. Enforcement is by the Nashua Police Department. Penalties for violation are imposed under Chapter 93 § 93-14 (the chapter penalty schedule) for each occurrence. The City of Nashua also issues dog licenses under RSA 466 (Dogs and Cats), and a copy of the Nashua Dog Ordinances is given with each dog license issued. Cats and other species are also covered by Chapter 93. Animal noise that rises to the level of 'disturbing the peace, quiet and comfort of inhabitants of neighboring premises' is alternatively citable under Chapter 201 (Noise). NH RSA 644:2 (disorderly conduct) provides a statewide backstop - making loud or unreasonable noises in a public place, or in a private place which can be heard elsewhere, which would disturb a person of average sensibilities, is a violation (up to $1,000) or a Class B misdemeanor if conduct continues after a desist order. Active barking complaints route to the Nashua Police non-emergency line at 603-594-3500. The Humane Society for Greater Nashua (under separate sheltering / adoption contract) is not the enforcement contact for nuisance noise complaints - police handle nuisance enforcement directly. Nashua's older mill-era triple-decker neighborhoods (French Hill, the Crown Hill / Tree Streets, parts of the East End along East Hollis Street) and the dense apartment / townhome concentrations in north Nashua generate steady barking-dog complaint volume because dwelling-to-dwelling distance is short.