Quincy, MA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Quincy, 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
- Code Section
- Quincy Code Art. III (Animal Control)
- Fine
- $50 per offense (noncriminal)
- Enforcement
- Animal Control: (617) 479-1212
- Also covered by
- Ch. 215 noise ordinance
Summary
Quincy Code Article III (Animal Control) prohibits owners or keepers from allowing animals to disturb the quiet of any person by barking, howling, biting, or other manner. Violations can be enforced through noncriminal complaint.
Section 157. (a) Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog's reaction was not grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances... The hearing authority shall investigate or cause the investigation of the complaint, including an examination under oath of the complainant at a public hearing in the municipality to determine whether the dog is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog.
Full Breakdown
Under Quincy's Animal Control ordinance, no owner or keeper of any animal shall permit such animal to disturb the quiet of any person by barking, biting, howling, or other manner. This applies to animals both on and off the owner's premises. Animal Control Officers at the Quincy Animal Shelter (99 Quarry St) handle complaints. Excessive noise complaints involving dogs can also be filed under the general noise ordinance (Chapter 215) with Inspectional Services.
Violations & Fines
Noncriminal complaint penalty of $50 per offense. Noise ordinance violations carry $100/day fines if pursued under Chapter 215.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules about barking dogs in Quincy?
How do I file a noise complaint about a barking dog in Quincy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
Compare Quincy to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Norfolk County handle barking dogs.