Springdale, AR Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Unlike many cities that bury barking in an animal-control chapter, Springdale puts the operative test directly inside Chapter 42 Article III. Section 42-51 defines 'noise disturbance' to include three independent prongs, the second of which is: 'Owning, keeping, possessing, or harboring any animal or animals that continuously, repeatedly, or persistently, without provocation by the complainant, creates a sound which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort or repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.' Section 42-52 then makes any noise disturbance unlawful, and Section 42-56 supplies the tiered fines (see below). The qualifier 'without provocation by the complainant' is a defensible-conduct test rather than a fixed minutes-of-barking threshold (Colonie NY uses 15 minutes; Phoenix AZ uses 10; Springdale leaves it to the reasonable-person standard). Springdale's separate Chapter 14 (Animals) covers licensing, leash, dogs-running-at-large, and vicious-dog provisions, administered by Springdale Animal Services at the Animal Shelter (479-750-8166). The Police Department writes the noise citations under Chapter 42. State backstop: A.C.A. Section 5-62-101 et seq. covers cruelty/welfare; A.C.A. Section 14-54-1102 authorizes municipalities to regulate dogs running at large. Common-law nuisance is independently available in Washington County Circuit Court (Benton/Madison County for the small portions of Springdale in those counties).