Springfield, MO Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Springfield, MO, 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
- Citation
- § 78-113(1), Division 2 Noise
- Standard
- Frequent or long continued disturbance
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 180 days jail
- Enforced by
- Springfield Police, municipal court
Summary
Springfield's noise code bans keeping any animal, bird, or fowl whose frequent or long, continued noise disturbs the comfort or repose of neighbors anywhere in the city, Greene County's largest.
Animal and fowl noises. The keeping of any animal, bird or fowl which, by causing frequent or long continued noise, shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 78-113(1), part of the Division 2 noise ordinance, lists animal and fowl noise among the acts declared 'loud and disturbing.' The rule sets no decibel meter or duration count beyond 'frequent or long continued': any animal, bird, or fowl whose noise disturbs a neighbor's comfort or repose violates the section, in any zoning district. It sits alongside the code's other enumerated noises (music, construction, vehicles) and is enforced citywide by the Springfield Police Department, prosecuted in municipal court. This is a City of Springfield rule and is separate from whatever Greene County applies in the unincorporated area outside city limits.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 78-113 is punishable under City Code § 1-7's general penalty: a fine up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for barking dogs in Springfield, MO?
Does this rule apply outside Springfield city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Missouri noise ordinances overview
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