Oklahoma Public Nuisance Statute Covers Habitual Barking Dogs

Title 50 Oklahoma Statutes Sections 1-16 define and govern nuisances throughout the state. A nuisance includes anything which is injurious to health, indecent, offensive to the senses, or obstructs the free use of property so as to interfere with comfortable enjoyment of life. Chronically barking dogs may qualify as a private or public nuisance under this statute. Affected neighbors may bring civil actions seeking abatement and damages. While municipalities may enact specific barking ordinances, the state nuisance law applies even where no local rule exists, providing baseline statewide relief.

Civil nuisance actions may result in court-ordered abatement, injunctive relief, and damages. Public nuisance can also be charged as a misdemeanor under 21 O.S. Section 1191.