Providence, RI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

The keeping or harboring of any dog, whether licensed or not, which by unreasonable and habitual howling, barking, or any other noise, disturbs a surrounding or adjacent neighbor or neighbors, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. The said neighbor complaining about the dog nuisance must be willing to sign a complaint and testify in court as to the offending animal. The person or owner of the dog must be warned at least once by the dog officer or a representative of the police department or animal shelter. The dog officer shall investigate the complaint to such an extent so as to hear the animal in question barking and to show that the animal is a public nuisance and/or a bother to the peaceful inhabitants of the city, or the neighborhood. The dog officer, if he finds a nuisance exists shall serve written notice upon the owner or custodian of said animal to show that the animal is a public nuisance. If after said offense has been noted and said offense, howling, barking, or any other noise which disturbs a neighbor is not abated, the owner shall be brought to municipal court and fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for the first offense and fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second offense and if a third offense exists, said dog shall be impounded.