Stafford Township, NJ Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

The barking rule sits in Chapter 60 Animals as § 60-9, Disturbance of peace, amended 12-20-1994 by Ord. No. 94-113. It reaches any person who owns, keeps, harbors or maintains the animal, so a household that harbors a neighbor's dog is covered as well as the owner. Three elements stack up in the text: the animal habitually barks, howls or cries frequently; the noise disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood; and it creates a nuisance. The prohibition applies at any time of the day or night, so the hour does not change the test.

A companion standard is in § 60-19A, the sanitary requirements section added 12-20-1994. Dogs, cats, livestock, birds and other animals shall at all times be confined to such premises, or a portion of premises, as will preclude odors and sound from interfering with the ordinary and reasonable use, occupation and enjoyment of property on neighboring premises. That sentence covers noise from the animals themselves and noise engendered by their care, feeding or other activity connected with them.

The Township appoints an Animal Control Officer under § 60-10, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16(a) and (b). Under § 60-14, no person shall distract, give false information, hinder, molest or interfere with anyone authorized or empowered to perform a duty under the chapter, and that section carries the penalty range of not less than $50 nor more than $1,250 for each offense set by § 60-28A.

Because § 60-9 is not one of the sections listed in § 60-28A, it is enforced under § 60-28B, which leaves the fine, jail term and community service to the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge. Section 60-28C adds that any violation of the chapter is subject to abatement, summarily, by a restraining order or by injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.