Sherman, TX Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Sherman regulates animal noise in two places. The animal-specific rule is § 2.02.008(a) in Chapter 2 (Animal Control): it is unlawful for any animal's owner or harborer to allow the peace and quiet of neighboring properties, or of persons of normal sensibilities in the vicinity, to be disturbed by the animal's barking, howling, crowing, or other noise of any kind. The rule reaches every animal, so roosters and other fowl fall under it as well as dogs.

The second rule sits in the noise article. Section 8.07.003(b)(1) lists as a noise disturbance owning, keeping or harboring any animal or fowl which by frequent or habitual noise making unreasonably disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of citizens. That provision applies to private and public facilities, including animal shelters and commercial kennels.

Section 2.02.008(d) adds a removal remedy for repeat problems. Where animals have caused a substantial number of bona fide nuisance complaints from multiple sources, the animal services supervisor can petition the municipal court to order removal from the city limits. The code defines a substantial number as three or more complaints within the past twelve months, and multiple sources as two or more reporting parties who do not live at the same address. A complaint counts as bona fide if made in good faith and not unfounded, as the supervisor determines. A removed dog or cat must be microchipped, registered with animal services and relocated to a permanent location more than 5,000 feet outside the city limits. If it is found inside that 5,000-foot band, the city can obtain a seizure warrant from the municipal court, which orders humane disposition under the chapter.

The animal services department sits under the Sherman Police Department, and under § 2.01.002 Chapter 2 applies within the city limits and the contiguous area out to 5,000 feet, except where another municipality governs that area.