Trinity County, CA Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Animal noise is one of the few noise topics the Trinity County Code addresses directly with an enforceable prohibition. Chapter 6.04 (Animal Control Regulations), adopted as the Animal Regulation Ordinance (Ord. 1260, 2002), is administered by the animal regulation unit within the Trinity County Sheriff's Department. Section 6.04.050 lists prohibited animal conduct, and subsection (B) provides that 'it is unlawful for the owner or possessor of any animal to allow said animal to disturb the peace by loud and unreasonable howling, barking, or by the marking of other loud and unreasonable noise.' Importantly, the Code builds in an evidentiary standard: 'the written affirmation by two persons, not related and having separate residences, stating their peace and quiet is unreasonably disturbed by such dog shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this subsection.' This two-household corroboration rule mirrors a common California county pattern and gives complainants a clear path to enforcement. The provision contains express carve-outs: it 'does not apply to reasonable noises emanating from legally operated animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, commercial animal establishments or agricultural activities,' which matters in a rural ranching and forest county where livestock and working dogs are common. The chapter applies countywide - to Weaverville, Hayfork, Lewiston, and all other unincorporated communities - because there are no separate cities. Complaints typically go to the Sheriff's animal regulation unit, which investigates and can cite the owner. Persistent violations can be subject to abatement, and the chapter declares that violating a related order constitutes a public nuisance.