Santa Fe, NM Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Santa Fe, NM, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 5-7.5 SFCC 1987
- Trigger
- Habitual howling, barking, disturbing peace
- Complaint process
- Written complaint required; 3rd triggers citation
- 1st citation fine
- $25 (48-month lookback)
- Escalation
- 5th complaint may mean district court suit
Summary
Santa Fe makes it unlawful to own or keep an animal that "habitually howls, yelps, whines, barks, or makes other noises" and unreasonably disturbs the peace. Enforcement runs through a written complaint process at animal services, with escalating civil citations starting only after a third repeat complaint about the same animal.
It is unlawful for anyone to own, keep, or harbor any animal that habitually howls, yelps, whines, barks, or makes other noises in a manner which tends to disturb the public peace unreasonably. ... All complaints filed pursuant to this section shall be made at the animal services office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or to an animal services officer in the field. Complaints shall be in writing on forms provided by animal services, including the complainant's name, address, phone number, and signature as well as the animal owner's name and address. ... If no progress is made in resolving the complaint and the complainant contacts animal services a third time for a third violation, animal services shall issue a civil citation pursuant to Table 5-12.1.
Full Breakdown
5 SFCC 1987, "Animals disturbing the peace," makes it unlawful for anyone to own, keep, or harbor any animal that habitually howls, yelps, whines, barks, or makes other noises in a manner which tends to disturb the public peace unreasonably. , or reported to an officer in the field, and must include the complainant's name, address, phone number and signature along with the animal owner's name and address. Complainants must be willing to testify or provide documentation, unless an animal services officer personally witnessed the noise and can testify instead.
After the first complaint, animal services notifies the owner in person or in writing; a second complaint from the same source triggers a second notice to the owner. 1; a fourth complaint results in a second citation, and a fifth results in a third citation, at which point the city may also deem the animal a nuisance under Section 10-9 SFCC 1987 and sue the owner in district court.
Violations & Fines
Once a citation is triggered, Table 5-12.1 SFCC 1987 sets the fine at $25 for a first civil citation in a 48-month period, $50 for a second, and $100 for a third, at which point the city may pursue a district court nuisance action under Section 10-9 SFCC 1987 instead of, or in addition to, further citations against the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will animal services ticket my neighbor's dog the first time I complain about barking?
How much is the fine for a barking dog citation in Santa Fe?
Do I have to put my barking-dog complaint in writing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Fe
Compare Santa Fe to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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