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Clayton council reviews Chapter 55 and considers defined barking thresholds and fines
Summary
Councilors reviewed Chapter 55 (Section 55.08) on animal nuisances, considered defining a violation as 10 minutes continuous barking (8 a.m.–9 p.m.) or 30 minutes intermittent per day, and discussed penalties of $100/$300/$600 for repeat offenses. The council referred the matter to its November meeting.
The City Council reviewed Chapter 55, the municipality's animal protection and control ordinance, including Section 55.08 that defines animal nuisances.
The minutes quote the ordinance text: "It is unlawful for a pet to cause annoyance or disturbance for residents’ peaceful enjoyment of their property including howling, barking, yelping and chasing vehicle’s." Council members discussed operationalizing that standard by creating a complaint form and specific enforcement thresholds.
Council members considered defining an actionable barking violation as ten minutes of continuous barking between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., or intermittent barking totaling 30 minutes in a day. The council also discussed a three-tier fine schedule: $100 for the first offense, $300 for the second and $600 for the third. No formal ordinance amendment or vote occurred; council members asked staff to prepare proposed policy and ordinance language for review at the November meeting.
Mayor Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns said the proposed changes would give residents a clearer process for reporting nuisances and would provide staff with thresholds for enforcement.
