Wichita, KS Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)
Barking dog rules in Wichita, KS, 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
- Governing section
- Sec. 6.04.040(f)(5)
- Standard
- Loud, frequent or habitual barking/howling
- Max penalty
- $2,500 fine, 1 year jail
- Related clause
- Sec. 6.04.040(f)(12), public nuisance
- Appeal window
- 14 days to City Council
Summary
Owning, keeping or harboring an animal whose loud, frequent, excessive or habitual barking, howling or yelping unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's use of their property is unlawful in Wichita under Municipal Code Sec. 6.04.040(f)(5). The offense is a misdemeanor punishable under Sec. 6.04.190 by up to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail.
(f)It is unlawful for any person to:...(5)Own, keep or harbor any animal, which, by loud, frequent, excessive or habitual barking, howling, yelping or other noise or action, unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of property of any person of reasonable sensibilities residing in or occupying the area;...(12)Permit or allow any animal to be a public nuisance;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " That standard runs alongside item (f)(12), which separately bars permitting any animal to be a public nuisance, giving Animal Services two overlapping tools against chronic barking complaints. Because the barking nuisance is not one of the offenses specifically priced in the fine schedule under Sec. 04 violation not otherwise priced is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. Sec. 190(b) further provides that each day a violation continues is a separate offense, so an unresolved chronic-barking complaint can generate repeated citations.
04 authority, such as a nuisance abatement notice tied to the dog, Sec. 210(a) gives the owner a right to a de novo appeal to the City Council or another body the Council designates, but the notice of appeal must be filed with the City Clerk within 14 calendar days of the written order, with further appeal available to the District Court.
Violations & Fines
Because barking is not separately priced in the Sec. 6.04.190(a) fine table, a violation defaults to that section's general misdemeanor penalty: a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. Each day the nuisance continues is a separate offense under Sec. 6.04.190(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barking is illegal in Wichita?
What is the maximum fine for a barking dog citation in Wichita?
Can I appeal an Animal Services barking nuisance order in Wichita?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.