Barking dog rules in Winston-Salem, NC — also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances — define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.
A dog barking continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes is a nuisance in Winston-Salem. Forsyth County Animal Control handles complaints under the joint city-county agreement.
Winston-Salem Code Chapter 4 (Animals), read together with Forsyth County animal ordinances, defines a nuisance dog as one whose barking or other noise can be heard beyond the property line continuously for more than 10 minutes or intermittently for more than 30 minutes. Complaints are investigated by Forsyth County Animal Control officers (the county provides animal services for the city). Officers will typically issue a warning on first complaint, document with audio evidence on second, and issue civil citations thereafter. Chronic offenders can face declaration as a public nuisance requiring corrective action such as soundproofing or rehoming. N.C.G.S. 160A-186 authorizes municipal regulation of animal noise.
First offense: written warning. Second offense: 50 to 100 dollar civil penalty. Continuing nuisance: up to 500 dollars and possible court-ordered abatement.
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See how Winston-Salem's barking dogs rules stack up against other locations.
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