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Outagamie County, WI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Barking dog rules in Outagamie County, WI, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 34-28(b)(2)
Covers
Any animal or bird
Standard
Frequent or continued disturbance
First offense fine
$100 to $500

Summary

County code makes it unlawful to own, possess or harbor a dog or other animal that frequently or continuously creates an unreasonable noise disturbance for neighbors.

City-specific rules exist: Little Chute, and Appleton have their own barking dogs rules that differ from Outagamie County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

(b)Prohibited conduct. ... (2)No person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration makes sound which creates an unreasonable noise disturbance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26).

Full Breakdown

Section 34-28(b)(2) states that 'no person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration makes sound which creates an unreasonable noise disturbance.' The provision sits inside the same general noise-disturbance ordinance that covers loudspeakers and alarms, so a persistently barking dog is treated as an unreasonable noise source alongside other equipment. A first violation carries a forfeiture of $100 to $500, rising to $200 to $1,000 for a repeat offense under section 34-28(e).

Violations & Fines

An animal whose noise creates an unreasonable disturbance draws a forfeiture of $100 to $500 for a first offense and $200 to $1,000 for a repeat offense under section 34-28(e).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one bark enough to violate the ordinance?
No. The rule targets sound that is 'frequent or for continued duration,' not an isolated bark.
Does this apply to cats and other pets too?
Yes. Section 34-28(b)(2) covers 'any animal or bird,' not just dogs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Outagamie County

All Outagamie County rules

Compare Outagamie County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview

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