Sampson County, NC Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Sampson County Code § 4-6-02(5) declares it a violation to possess any animal, other than cattle, poultry, horses, sheep or a similar farm animal, that creates a disturbing noise in a residential area through habitual howling, yelping, barking or other natural sound. The ordinance defines a 'residential area' broadly: any neighborhood, subdivision, housing development or mobile home park, whether on one street or several, and whether mixed with other land uses, where two or more households are situated within hearing distance of each other. Because the farm-animal exclusion only covers cattle, poultry, horses, sheep and similar livestock, a barking dog, cat, or other companion animal is not exempted even on a rural property, so long as neighboring households are close enough to hear it.

This clause sits inside the general nuisance prohibition of § 4-6-02, which applies around the clock throughout unincorporated Sampson County and in any incorporated town without its own adopted noise ordinance. The county does not set a minimum number of minutes of barking before it counts; the test is whether the habitual noise disturbs reasonable neighbors. Enforcement runs through § 4-6-05, letting a certified law enforcement officer or an animal control officer issue a citation directly.