In Maryland, there’s no statewide limit on dog barking—regulation happens at the county and municipal level. Local jurisdictions treat persistent, loud, or nuisance barking as a violation under animal control or noise ordinances. Procedures typically include logging incidents, filing complaints, officer warnings, and escalating to fines or animal removal if unresolved.
⚖️ Key Themes Across Maryland Ordinances
- Common definition: Barking, howling, or other vocalization that disturbs the peace or exceeds audibility thresholds (property line, neighbor’s dwelling).
- Complaint requirement: Most places require documented complaints—some need logs, affidavits, signed forms, or officer observation.
- Enforcement steps: Complaint → warning → citation or summons; persistent violations may result in fines, nuisance findings, or seizure.
- Penalties: Vary by county—typically $50–$500 fines; in some areas, repeat offenses or failure to comply can lead to loss of pet or court action.
📍 County & Municipal Regulations
Prince George’s County
Under local animal control laws, a “public nuisance animal” includes one that “excessively makes disturbing noises (barking, howling, etc.) causing unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Complaint process: You must file a formal, non‑anonymous complaint. Animal control may require you to keep a log detailing duration, frequency, and times of barking :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Enforcement: Animal control issues a cease‑and‑desist order. Continued barking may result in confiscation of the dog :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Baltimore County
The county ordinance defines “unreasonable noise” to include “vocalizing (barking, howling, yelping)” that lasts for five or more minutes or is “intermittent to such a degree” that disturbs neighbors :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Complaint and investigation: Residents must contact Animal Control or 311 to lodge a disturbance complaint.
- Enforcement: Officers may issue citations under Article 12; penalties range from $50 to $500 :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Frederick County (City of Frederick)
The City prohibits any animal whose “barking, howling, or other audible manner disturbs the peace, order and quiet” of the municipality :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Process: Complaints are handled by city Animal Control or Code Compliance.
- Action: Officers typically issue warnings, followed by civil or criminal citations if barking continues :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Howard County
County Animal Control states owners must “prevent their dogs from barking to the extent that it disturbs neighbors.” :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Reporting: Residents file sworn affidavits—anonymous complaints are not accepted.
- Penalties: Civil citations range from $25–$500; criminal charges can lead to up to 3 years in prison, $5,000 fine, impoundment, and hearings before the Animal Matters Board :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Town of Berwyn Heights (Prince George’s)
No animal may make “frequent or sustained noise” beyond the property line—this includes barking :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Complaint: Report to police non-emergency—but Animal Control may also investigate :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Enforcement: Officers issue warnings, then summonses under noise ordinance for persistent violations :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Town of Snow Hill (Worcester County)
One complaint triggers notification; if a second complaint is received within 24 hours, Animal Control may act :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Steps: Officer notifies first; second complaint within 24 hours allows for further enforcement such as fines :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
Talbot County (Unincorporated areas)
The county’s updated noise ordinance includes animal noise under general sound regulations. Limits are based on decibel levels measured at property lines :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Procedure: Report suspected noise violations to County Noise Control; enforcement includes warnings and fines.
- Threshold: Any sustained barking above decibel limit is actionable :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
🔍 Common Enforcement Process across Maryland
- Document barking: Note date, time, duration, intensity, and whether audible at boundaries; maintain logs or recordings.
- File complaint: Contact appropriate agency (Animal Control, 311, police) and follow local submission rules (signed affidavit if required).
- Officer investigation: Animal Control or Noise Officer visits, documents findings, and confirms disturbance.
- Warning issued: Many jurisdictions require formal notification or warnings before citations.
- Citation/summons: If barking continues, you may receive a civil or criminal citation; repeat offenses escalate penalties.
- Escalation: Continued violations can result in heavier fines, animal seizure, court cases, or hearings before local boards.
💰 Typical Penalties
| Jurisdiction | First Offense | Repeat Offense | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George’s Co. | Cease‑and‑desist | Dog confiscated | Log required |
| Baltimore Co. | $50–$500 fine | Similar or higher | Based on Animal Control code |
| Frederick City | Warning → citation | Court summons | Peace disturbance ordinance |
| Howard Co. | $25–$500 | Possible jail, $5k fine | Sworn affidavit mandatory |
| Berwyn Heights | Warning | Summons under noise code | Audible past property lines |
| Snow Hill | First complaint only notice | Second → enforcement | 24‑hour rule |
| Talbot Co. | Warning | $ fines | Decibel-based |
🤝 Advice for Neighbors
- Start friendly: A polite conversation often resolves issues before formal steps.
- Document thoroughly: Keep logs with times, dates, audio, and sound levels.
- File per rules: Use correct form (affidavit if needed), submit detailed complaint to Animal Control or relevant department.
- Follow-up: Enforcement needs persistence—report additional incidents.
- Be prepared: You may need to testify in hearings or court if citations go unresolved.
🐶 Advice for Dog Owners
- Monitor barking triggers: Dogs bark from anxiety, boredom, or environmental stress.
- Provide outlets: Exercise, interactive toys, training, and shelter reduce nuisance barking.
- Consider soundproofing: Use enclosed spaces, fences, white noise, or indoor time during quiet hours.
- Train consistently: Reward quiet behavior and use positive reinforcement to reduce noise.
- Respond swiftly: If you get a warning, resolve the issue immediately to avoid escalation.
💬 Real Voices from Maryland Residents
On r/baltimore, one user lamented:
“The noise ordinance, we have been informed from 311, is from 11 PM to 5 AM. But the non-stop barking is hard to sleep thru … The police have informed us that there is either nothing they can do …” :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Users advised filing complaints with police and animal control, logging barking patterns, and presenting evidence when possible :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
📌 Summary Table
| Area | Definition | Complaint Tool | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George’s Co. | Disturbing, unceasing barking | Non‑anonymous log-based complaint | Order → confiscation |
| Baltimore Co. | 5+ minutes or intermittent nuisance | 311/Animal Control | $50–$500 fine |
| Frederick (City) | Any peace‑disturbing vocalization | Animal control complaint | Warnings → citations |
| Howard Co. | Barking disturbing neighbors | Sworn affidavit | $25–$500, impound |
| Berwyn Heights | Noise beyond property line | Police non-emergency | Summons under noise code |
| Snow Hill | Repeat complaints within 24 hrs | Animal control reporting | Act post-second complaint |
| Talbot Co. | Decibel-based noise regs | Noise Control complaint | Warnings → fines |
🔚 Conclusion
Maryland’s dog barking rules are enforced locally—counties like Prince George’s, Baltimore, Howard, and small towns like Berwyn Heights and Snow Hill have clear processes. The pillars are: evidence collection → official complaint → warning → enforcement if continues. As a neighbor, start with a calm chat, document noise, and file using correct form. As a dog owner, address stress and use positive training to prevent issues. If you let me know your county or town, I can provide the specific ordinance text, complaint forms, and direct contact info for your local Animal Control or Noise Control Office.