It is against the law for a dog owner, or anyone in control or custody of a dog, to allow the dog to make excessive noise, after receiving a legal notice of the noise complaint and a request to make it stop. The term “excessive noise” means noise which is unreasonably annoying, disturbing, offensive, or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of one or more persons occupying property in the community or neighborhood. This law does not apply to a commercial animal establishment with a legal permit. (LAMC 53.63)

If you are experiencing a problem with a barking dog, you must submit a written complaint to the Animal Care Center serving your area.

To file a complaint, you must write a letter including the following:
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Address of the barking dog
Description of the Problem
Your Signature

Send your complaint letter directly to the Animal Care Center that services your area. Click here to locate an Animal Care Center near you

Complaints will be acted on in the following manner:

(a)     First Complaint.
1.     Upon receiving a written complaint involving a whining, barking, howling, or similar dog noise, the Department of Animal Services shall issue a written notice to the owner or person having charge, care, or custody of the dog or dogs advising that person of the noise complaint and requesting immediate abatement of any excessive noise.

(b)     Second Complaint.
1.     If, after 15 days from the issuance of the written notice pursuant to the first complaint, a second complaint is received, the Department of Animal Services shall, by written notice, require the complainant or complainants and the owner of the dog or dogs to appear at a meeting before a Department representative to discuss possible ways and means to resolve the problem. If the problem remains unresolved, the matter shall be set for an administrative hearing as provided by Section 53.18.5.

2.     If the owner fails to appear before the Department of Animal Services representative and there is evidence that the dog or dogs have emitted excessive noise, the problem shall be deemed unresolved, and the matter set for an administrative hearing as provided by Section 53.18.5.

Administrative Hearings:

An administrative hearing is similar to a non-jury trail in civil court, however the parties are named complainant and respondent and the procedure is governed by the statutes, regulations, and ordinances applicable to City of Los Angeles Administrative Hearings.  All testimony is taken under sworn oath and false testimony may result in criminal charges.  Any evidence submitted at the hearing becomes part of the official hearing record and will not be returned.  The General Manager of the Department of Animal Services makes the final decision which is legally binding.  The respondent may file an appeal to the decision within fifteen days provided that s/he attends the hearing.  Appeals are heard by the Board of Animal Services Commissioners, which may affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the General Manager.  Board decisions may be appealed to the Superior Court.  For more information about administrative hearings, please click the link below or call 888/ 452-7381.

Click here for a complete guide to Administrative Hearings

Click here to read LAMC Section 53.18.5