Nebraska's Dog Barking Laws
Pets can be a source of neighborhood enjoyment, but they also can be a noisy disruption. Therefore, local governments have an interest in creating laws that balance an individual's ownership of pets with the safety and serenity of the community.
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State Law
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There are no Nebraska state laws that address dog barking. Nebraska state statutes give municipalities certain powers to govern aspects of community life within their cities. One of these enumerated powers is to regulate and license animals within their limits, including regulations to guard against injuries and annoyances from those animals. Since each city may have its own regulations, pet owners should check with their municipalities before obtaining a pet.
Omaha
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Omaha has city pet ordinances, but they do not include dog barking specifically. However, Chapter 6 of the Omaha City Code prohibits certain types of restraints for dogs -- such as tethering a dog outdoors -- and this may minimize opportunities for barking nuisances. Violations of this ordinance may result in fines and, after three violations, the pets may be impounded. Consequently, the Nebraska Humane Society recommends that owners bring barking dogs inside to avoid disturbance.
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Bellevue
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Bellvue's police department helps enforce the city's pet ordinances. One ordinance prohibits owners from keeping pets that bark, howl or whine in an excessive, continuous or untimely manner. Such pets may be declared a nuisance and may be impounded. The owner may be charged kenneling fees of $5 per day plus an impoundment fee of up to $100.
Lincoln
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Lincoln City Ordinance 6.08.160 prohibits ownership, keeping or harboring of animals that annoy or disturb neighbors with loud, continued or frequent barking or other noises. However, this ordinance does not allow a neighbor to call in an anonymous complaint. Rather, the complainant must document or record the noises and be willing to testify in court about the noise.
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References
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