Plymouth County, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Plymouth County, MA, 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
- Standard
- Excessive barking, reasonable person
- Governing law
- MGL c.140 §136A
- Order authority
- Selectboard or hearing officer
- Enforcement
- Animal control officer
Summary
A dog is a 'nuisance dog' under MGL c.140 §136A when excessive barking disrupts a reasonable person's quiet enjoyment. Any Plymouth County resident can petition the town selectboard or Brockton's hearing authority for an order under MGL c.140 §157.
"Nuisance dog", a dog that: (i) by excessive barking or other disturbance, is a source of annoyance to a sick person residing in the vicinity; or (ii) by excessive barking, causing damage or other interference, a reasonable person would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment; or (iii) has threatened or attacked livestock, a domestic animal or a person, but such threat or attack was not a grossly disproportionate reaction under all the circumstances.
Full Breakdown
Chronic barking across Plymouth County is handled through MGL c.140 §136A, which defines a nuisance dog by its behavior, and MGL c.140 §157, which lets a town selectboard, mayor, or hearing authority order the owner to correct the problem. A resident of Plymouth, Wareham, or Middleborough files a written complaint; the town holds a hearing and can order restraint, containment, or other remedies. Animal control officers investigate and document the pattern. The nuisance-dog standard turns on excessive barking that a reasonable person finds disruptive, not a fixed minute count.
Violations & Fines
After a hearing under MGL c.140 §157, the town can order the owner to abate the barking. Ignoring the order exposes the owner to fines and further court action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a nuisance dog in Massachusetts?
How do I stop a neighbor's barking dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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