Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Animal Noise and Nuisance Statute
Key Facts
- Nuisance basis
- La. C.C. art. 667
- Cruelty statute
- La. R.S. 14:102.1
- Statewide barking limit
- None
- Enforcement level
- Parish or municipal
Summary
Louisiana has no statewide barking-dog decibel or duration standard; parishes and municipalities set their own limits. Civil Code art. 667 gives neighbors a statewide private right to seek abatement of unreasonable noise, including persistent barking. R.S. 14:102.1 covers animal cruelty but not noise.
Art. 667. Limitations on use of property Although a proprietor may do with his estate whatever he pleases, still he cannot make any work on it, which may deprive his neighbor of the liberty of enjoying his own, or which may be the cause of any damage to him. However, if the work he makes on his estate deprives his neighbor of enjoyment or causes damage to him, he is answerable for damages only upon a showing that he knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known that his works would cause damage, that the damage could have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable care, and that he failed to exercise such reasonable care.
Full Breakdown
Louisiana does not preempt local barking-dog ordinances; parishes and municipalities set specific durations and decibel limits. Two state-level frameworks apply generally. Louisiana Civil Code article 667 (with arts. 668-669, vicinage) provides that a proprietor may not use property to cause damage or undue inconvenience to neighbors, giving a statewide private right of action for noise nuisance, including persistent barking. La. R.S. 14:102.1 governs animal cruelty but does not address noise. Most enforcement occurs at the parish or municipal level through animal control operating under home-rule authority.
Violations & Penalties
Civil Code art. 667 supports private nuisance suits seeking abatement and damages. Local barking-ordinance fines vary by parish; state cruelty penalties under R.S. 14:102.1 apply to neglect, not noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana set a statewide barking dog time limit?
Can I sue a Louisiana neighbor over a barking dog?
Sources
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