What can be done about dogs in the neighborhood that bark constantly?
Article VI, Section 12-94 (b) in the Bartlesville Municipal Code lays out the actions that can be taken against a person who allows the “habitual howling, yelping, barking or other annoyance by the owner, keeper or possessor of any dog or other animal.”
If this is happening in your neighborhood, you can contact the Bartlesville Police Department at 918.338.4001 and report it. An officer will respond to the location of the noise nuisance to determine that the violation is occurring, which means the dog(s) must be barking when the officer is there and can hear it. If so, the officer will give an oral warning to the occupant of the residence. (Note that “a warning to one occupant of the residence is considered to be a warning to all residents or occupants of the premises.” Also note if an occupant can’t be reached, other actions may be taken.)
A subsequent violation that occurs within the next 14 days “may result in a citation being issued.” The ordinance states that the maximum penalty for the first conviction is a suspended sentence, while subsequent convictions will result in a fine imposed not to exceed $50.