Reading, PA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Section 387-104(F) declares it unlawful to own, possess, harbor, or control 'any animal or bird which howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds continuously and/or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes or makes such noise intermittently for 1/2 hour or more to the disturbance of any person at any time of the day or night.' The rule applies regardless of whether the animal is on private property. A defense is available if, at the time the animal is making noise, a person was trespassing or threatening to trespass, or if there was 'any other legitimate cause which teased or provoked' the animal. Reading's separate animal ordinance (Chapter 141) addresses nuisance animals more broadly under § 141-204 and authorizes the Animal Control Board to enforce restraint, vicious-dog, and impoundment provisions, but the time-based barking rule lives in the noise chapter. Pennsylvania state law (3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., the PA Dog Law) overlays this with rabies and licensing requirements but does not preempt local noise rules. Prima facie evidence under § 387-106 requires two residents in agreement, one resident plus officer corroboration, or direct officer observation.