Chicago City Council passes noisy pet ordinance

October 7, 4:43 PMChicago Crime ExaminerDeborah O'Malley

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Chicago Crime Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net

Without so much as a whimper of opposition, Chicago City Council today passed an ordinance that will fine owners of noisy dogs between $50 and $250.

As reported last week, the ordinance was approved by the Police and Fire Committee.

Today, it got approval of the full council and now becomes law.

Alderman Patrick O'Conner and Richard Mell sponsored the ordinance.

To get a fine, a police officer must observe a dog barking for ten consecutive minutes or three neighbors can get together to sign a group complaint.

The noise ordinance also applies to other pets and their various vocal musings.

Read the ordinance below.

"An ordinance introduced by 33rd Ward Alderman Richard Mell and 40th Ward Alderman Patrick J.
O'Connor, amending Chapter 7-12 of the Municipal Code of Chicago. The ordinance concerns Section
7-12-100 regarding Animal Noise Control Fines. Anyone who violates the code by owning,
controlling or has possession of a dog or other animal, allowing the animal to make
excessive noise, meaning the repeated, continued or habitual barking, whining, crying,
howling, whimpering, crowing or loud noise common that exceeds ten consecutive
minutes and/or for a significant portion of the day and night, louder than average
conversational levels. Complaint either by a city officer or employee charged with
enforcement of this section or a signed complaint by neighbors from three (3) different
addresses. Fines of not less than $50.00 nor more than $250 for each offense."