Paulding County, GA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Where a person permits a domestic animal under his or her ownership or possession to disturb the peace of an ordinary, reasonable person by loud, persistent, or habitual barking, howling, growling, yelping or whining, the injured person may bring a civil, private nuisance action against the owner of the offending animal. See O.C.G.A. § 41-1-1, et seq. As defined by Georgia law, a private nuisance is one limited in its injurious effects to one or a few individuals.(b)In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 41-2-5, private nuisance actions for animal noises or barking shall be brought by the injured party in the magistrate court which shall have the jurisdiction and power to order abatement of the nuisance. A person bringing a private nuisance shall initiate the action by filing a statement of claim in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-10-43, and shall proceed in accordance with the procedures for civil actions, O.C.G.A. § 15-10-40, et seq.(c)Although the animal control department may respond initially to an animal noise complaint to investigate for other violations of this chapter, the animal control department has no jurisdiction to pursue or assist with the abatement of a private nuisance. However, in the case of a private nuisance action contemplated herein, the marshal bureau may serve the statement of claim upon the defendant in the marshal's capacity as a constable as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 15-10-43(b). (Ord. No. 22-06, § 1(Exh. A), 4-26-2022)