Westland, MI Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Westland, MI, 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
- Covers
- any noisy, annoying animal
- Fine
- up to $500
- Jail
- up to 90 days
- Enforced by
- animal control officer
Summary
Westland makes it unlawful to harbor an animal that constantly cries, barks or makes other loud noises annoying the neighborhood, enforceable by animal control citation.
(2)Harbor any animal which constantly cries, barks, or makes other loud noises, or is an annoyance to the neighborhood or persons passing to and fro upon public streets and highways. Any person who fails to maintain adequate sanitation for any animal may be cited by authorized agents of the city for maintaining a public nuisance.(3)Kill, or cause to be killed, any rabid animal, any animal suspected of having been exposed to rabies, or any animal biting a human, except as provided in this chapter, or to remove any such animal from the city limits without written permission from the animal control officer.a.The carcass of any dead animal exposed to rabies shall upon demand be surrendered to the animal control officer.b.The animal control officer shall direct the disposition of any animal found to be infected with rabies.(4)Fail or refuse to surrender any animal for quarantine or destruction as required in this chapter when demand is made therefore by the animal control officer or his agents.(5)Harbor on his premises more than three dogs or three cats over four months of age, unless he shall obtain a license under the terms of this chapter. (Code 1981, § 6-13)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66).
Full Breakdown
Section 18-11(2) prohibits harboring 'any animal which constantly cries, barks, or makes other loud noises, or is an annoyance to the neighborhood or persons passing to and fro upon public streets and highways.' The rule reaches any noisy animal, not just dogs, but a chronically barking dog is the typical complaint the animal control officer fields under it. The same subsection separately makes failing to maintain adequate sanitation for an animal a citable public nuisance, a distinct requirement from the noise clause.
Violations & Fines
General penalty applies (§ 1-8): fine up to $500.00 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment, with each day of continued nuisance barking a separate offense subject to citation by the animal control officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for my dog barking constantly in Westland?
What's the penalty for a barking-dog complaint in Westland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Barking Dogs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle barking dogs.