Barking dog rules in Springfield, IL — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
Springfield City Code section 91.16 prohibits owners from permitting an animal to cause a 'disturbance,' defined in section 91.01 as a distressing, loud, or unusual animal noise that disturbs the peace and lasts longer than ten minutes, documented by law enforcement or animal control.
Springfield addresses barking dogs through its Animal Control chapter rather than the general noise sections. Section 91.16(a) provides that 'The owner or keeper shall not suffer or permit any animal to cause a disturbance as defined in section 91.01,' and section 91.16(b) declares the repetitious disturbance of any neighborhood or person a nuisance. Section 91.01 defines a 'Disturbance' as 'A disturbance caused by an animal, that is distressing or loud or unusual in nature and disturbs the peace or quiet of any place, neighborhood, family or persons in the city, that lasts longer than ten minutes, and is documented by law enforcement or animal control.' For a first or second disturbance, officers may issue a citation (section 91.16(c)); on a repetitious disturbance, animal control may cite for nuisance and impound the animal to the Sangamon County Animal Pound (sections 91.16(d)-(e)).
Under section 91.999, animal-control violations are fined not less than $200 (first), $400 (second), and $800 (third and subsequent), unless a different fine is set for the specific section; repeat disturbances may also result in impoundment.
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See how Springfield's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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