This week the City Council changed the City’s ordinance regulating nuisance dogs, establishing a new hearing procedure and fine structure.

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2011/11-0922_ord_181930.pdf

Before, a citation could only be issued for licensed dogs because the citation was attached to the license. The owner first had to be forced to get a license. Under the new code, Animal Control officers can now issue citations even if the dog is unlicensed. (The dog owner must still get a license.)

A dog is a “nuisance” if it barks continuously for 10 minutes or for 30 minutes in a three-hour period. The owner first receives a written warning allowing them to improve the situation. If it persists, a hearing is held where the owner could get a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense.

To report nuisance barking dogs, please call West Valley Animal Care Center at  (888) 452-7381.