Delaware will soon adopt a **uniform statewide barking rule**, but local enforcement is carried out through county and municipal agencies. Here’s what the new law says—and how each county implements or enforces barking complaints.
🗓️ Upcoming Statewide Law (Effective October 9, 2025)
- House Bill 124 (2024): dog owners may not let their dog bark **continuously for over 15 minutes**, or intermittently for over 30 minutes in a day :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Penalties: 1st offense = warning; 2nd = $50; 3rd = $100; subsequent = $150 per incident :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Exemptions: Service dogs, law enforcement dogs, hunting/herding/training dogs, shelters, vet clinics, provoked barking, trespassers :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Enforcement: State’s Office of Animal Welfare leads enforcement; police assist as needed :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
📌 County-Level Enforcement & Local Ordinances
New Castle County
- Animal control calls go through New Castle County Police non-emergency at (302) 573‑2800 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Local code defines excessive animal noise as any barking continuous for over 10 minutes, or intermittent totaling 30 minutes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Animal Control officers, police, or constables can issue warnings, citations, and impound animals deemed public nuisances :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Kent County
- Animal control is managed by the Kent County SPCA; complaints routed via toll‑free or local hotline :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Local noise statutes (e.g., 11 p–7 a) prohibit disruptive behavior—but barking specifics await alignment with state law :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
Sussex County
- A proposed “Excessive Barking” ordinance was rejected in 2014 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Sussex County does **not** currently enforce a separate barking-specific ordinance :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Still, once statewide law takes effect, barking complaints here will fall under state enforcement.
City of Wilmington (inside New Castle County)
- Local code bans maintaining an animal that causes “frequent or long continued noise disturbing repose” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Police or animal welfare officers may enforce this alongside new state standards.
📊 Comparison Table
| Jurisdiction | Ordinance Present? | Definition / Threshold | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (all counties) | Yes (from 10/9/2025) | 15 min continuous or 30 min cumulative | Office of Animal Welfare (police assist) |
| New Castle County | Yes | 10 min continuous or 30 min total | County police/Animal Control |
| Kent County | General noise only | Disturbance-based | Kent SPCA |
| Sussex County | No | None | Will use state rule |
| Wilmington (New Castle) |
Yes | Frequent/long-lasting noise | City police/animal officers |
✅ What Residents Should Do
- 📍 Confirm your county/city—especially if in Wilmington.
- 📘 Document barking: times, durations, frequency, with audio/video if allowed.
- 📞 Report to proper channel: county police (New Castle), SPCA (Kent), local animal control.
- 📅 State law starts Oct 9, 2025—expect statewide enforcement then.
- 🏛 For Wilmington or NCC, local complaints may apply before that.
🛡️ For Dog Owners
- Provide training, enrichment, and comfort—especially when alone.
- Use humane anti-bark devices or indoor time-outs.
- Respect neighbor concerns and address barking quickly.
- Understand exemptions under the state law—for service, work dogs, provoked situations, etc.
Conclusion
In summary—Delaware will soon have a **clear, statewide barking limit** covering all counties. Enforcement before that will rely on existing local codes (especially New Castle, Wilmington). Starting October 9, 2025, the Office of Animal Welfare will enforce across Kent, New Castle, and Sussex counties. Prepare now by documenting any issues and knowing where to report locally.
Need help finding local contacts, forms, or drafting a polite notice to your neighbor? Just let me know your county or city—I’m happy to help!