What are the laws concerning noise in residential neighborhoods in Ohio?

Question

My neighbors called the police on me at 1:00 in the afternoon today because of our dog barking in the backyard. The police didn't do anything about it really, but they did say to keep peace, I should probably bring my dog in if he barks. They also are threatening to call when my kids are outside playing in the sprinkler because they say that is too loud. I don't let my kids or dog make any noise outside before 10:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m., I don't really understand complaining in a residential neighborhood about noise in the middle of the day in the summertime. Do they have anything against me from a legal standpoint?

Answer 1

Not really!  They can complain all they want but most states have a set time when noise should cease & it isn't during the daylight hours!  A barking dog is a different thing, it really can be annoying!  I let my dog out during the day, let him bark a few times & bring him in before he drives people crazy!  All kids have the right to play in their own yard & have fun, let them call the police all they want, the police will soon get tired of their calls & tell them to stop calling, they are infringing on your rights!

Answer 2

You need to check your local City Ordinances.  They should have a copy at your local library.

There are ordinances in some areas that cover excessive dog barking.  I think they say something like barking unnecessarily for a period over an hour (insert any other applicable time) or barking several repeated times.

Some of the ordinances around Central Ohio want proof of the violation and dog wardens instruct the complaining neighbors to record the barking to show the pattern.  

It may not be done just because there was no action taken today.  You may want to try to quiet the dog (always goof to be on good terms with the neighbors anyway).  Barking collars are fairly inexpensive.

Answer 3

This doesn't run under state laws, this would go under town ordinances. 1PM is definitely not against your town ordinance. They can't do anything about it. Just tell them to buy some earplugs and find something else to complain about that actually makes a big difference. I know how you feel about people like this.