Barking dog rules in Santa Ana, CA — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Santa Ana declares persistently barking dogs a public nuisance under SAMC Sec. 5-59.1. A dog barking incessantly for 30 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes in any 24-hour period constitutes a violation. Complaints are filed with the Santa Ana Police Department.
Under SAMC Sec. 5-59.1, any enforcement officer may issue an administrative citation for a noisy animal based on a complaint signed under penalty of perjury by a community member. A nuisance dog is one that barks incessantly for 30 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes in a 24-hour period. Before a citation is issued, the officer must send a warning notice via first-class mail or personal service giving the owner 10 days to abate the nuisance. Dogs barking to protect property against trespassers or when provoked are generally exempt. The responsible person may appeal the citation under SAMC Sec. 1-21.8. Every day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense. The ordinance was significantly updated in 2007 and 2011.
Administrative citation after 10-day warning. Progressive fines for continued violations. Criminal prosecution or civil action may be pursued for persistent non-compliance.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle barking dogs.
See how Santa Ana's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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