(a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly owns an animal that unreasonably barks, howls, crows, or makes other unreasonable noise near a private residence. Noise made by an animal is unreasonable under this subsection if the noise:
(1) continues more than 15 consecutive minutes; or
(2) exceeds the sound pressure level allowed in a residential district under the Dallas Development Code.
(b) A person who is disturbed by an animal that unreasonably barks, howls, crows, or makes other unreasonable noise near a private residence may file a disturbance complaint with the director. A disturbance complaint must include the name and address of the complainant, the location of the disturbance, the type of animal causing the disturbance, and the times that the animal is causing the disturbance.
(c) The director shall mail to the animal’s owner a notice that the disturbance complaint has been received. A copy of the notice must be mailed to the complainant.
(d) If, after receiving notice from the director that a disturbance complaint has been received, the owner continues to allow the animal to cause a disturbance:
(1) the complainant may file a complaint, in writing, with the city attorney; or
(2) the director may issue a citation to the owner for the violation of this section. (Ord. 26024)