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Texarkana, TX Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Barking dog rules in Texarkana, TX, 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

Trigger threshold
15 consecutive minutes of noise
Applies
Indoors or outside
Offense class
Class C misdemeanor
Enforcement
Animal Services / ACO

Summary

A Texarkana dog that barks, yelps, or howls continuously for 15 minutes straight is legally a public nuisance, indoors or out.

The keeping of a dangerous dog or a dog which disturbs the peace by barking, yelping, howling, or making other loud noises to the annoyance or discomfort of any person. Continuous barking, yelping, howling, or making other loud noises for 15 consecutive minutes by such dog, whether confined inside a residence or building or confined to the outside area, shall be deemed to have disturbed the peace...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful to keep a dog that disturbs the peace by barking, yelping, howling, or making other loud noises to the annoyance of any person. Fifteen consecutive minutes of such noise, whether the dog is inside a home or building or confined outside, is automatically deemed to disturb the peace, unless someone was trespassing on the owner's property or the dog was being teased or provoked at the time. Animal Services (ACO) enforces the rule as part of the broader animal nuisance code.

Violations & Fines

Violating the animal nuisance provisions of Chapter 8 is a Class C misdemeanor, punished by a fine set under state law (up to $500 under the Code's general penalty section).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter if the dog is inside my house?
No. The code applies whether the dog is confined inside a residence or building or kept outside: 15 straight minutes of barking counts either way.
Is there a defense to a barking complaint?
Yes. It's a defense if someone was trespassing or threatening to trespass on the owner's property, or if the dog was being teased or provoked when the barking occurred.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Texarkana

All Texarkana rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview

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