Ridgewood prohibits the keeping of any animal whose habitual barking, howling, or other noise disturbs neighbors or the peace, with enforcement under the Village's noise ordinance handled through police complaints.
The Village of Ridgewood Code addresses animal noise as a category of unreasonable disturbance under Chapter 201. Owners or keepers of dogs that bark, howl, or make persistent noise that annoys neighbors or disrupts the peace can be cited. Enforcement typically requires multiple complaints or documented evidence of repeated disturbances. The Ridgewood Police Department and Animal Control respond to these complaints and may investigate the duration, frequency, and time of day of the barking before issuing a summons to the owner.
Owners of habitually barking dogs face fines beginning at $100 for a first offense, with escalating penalties for repeat violations. Summonses are typically issued after the owner is warned and has had an opportunity to address the behavior.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle barking dogs.
See how Ridgewood's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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