Wayne, NJ Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Two sections of the Wayne Township Code cover barking. Section 68-14, in the dog chapter, makes it unlawful to own, keep, harbor or have custody of a dog which continuously, untimely or habitually barks or howls for 5 minutes without interruption, defined as an average of 4 or more vocalizations per minute in that period, or vocalizes for 20 minutes intermittently, defined as an average of 2 vocalizations or more per minute. The section applies to all private or public facilities, including animal pounds, kennels and pet shops where a dog is held for any reason.

Section 121-9(G), in Chapter 121, Noise, reaches any property owner or tenant who allows a domesticated or caged animal to create a sound across a real property line that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of any resident. A violation also exists where the owner refuses or intentionally fails to cease the unreasonable noise when ordered to do so by a Noise Control Officer or Noise Control Investigator. Prima facie evidence includes the same 5-minute and 20-minute vocalizing tests, and the provision names howling, yelping, barking and squawking. It is an affirmative defense that the dog or other animal was intentionally provoked to bark or make any other noise.

Animal Control Officers and the Police Department enforce § 68-14. Chapter 121 is enforced by the Noise Control Officer or Noise Control Investigator, who issues a Notice of Violation or a Notice of Penalty Assessment. For a minor violation the Notice of Violation sets a correction period of up to 90 days under the Grace Period Law. For a non-minor violation that is not immediately corrected, a Notice of Penalty Assessment follows, and a repeat within 12 months draws a penalty assessment whether or not it is corrected.