Indiana Laws About Barking Dogs

Barking dogs are a form of noise pollution that can be challenging to deal with since laws vary from place to place. While there are no noise pollution laws that apply to the entire state of Indiana, cities and counties within the state have area-specific noise pollution regulations that are enforced through the local police department or the Animal Control Department.

  1. Quiet Time Law

    • While each city ordinance may be different, the majority of Indiana city ordinances contain a clause that allows for quiet time. This allows for a specific period of time each night during which quiet must be observed. Hours may vary but typically extend from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and from midnight to 9:00 a.m. on the weekends and Federally recognized holidays. During these times a barking dog may be considered excessive noise, depending on what the city code details.

    Animal Control Law

    • The Animal Control Department of any city or county in Indiana may be responsible for enforcement of quiet time laws. Noise control ordinances in most Indiana cities or counties specify that the Animal Control Department should be contacted in the case of a dog who is barking excessively, especially if this occurs during regulated hours of quiet time.

    Legal Solutions

    • The legal solution to excessive noise in the form of a barking dog will depend on the city or county ordinances. Generally, the Animal Control Department will be legally responsible for responding to complaints about barking dogs. If the city or county does not have an Animal Control Department, the local Police Department will be responsible for dealing with noise control issues including barking dogs.