Governor John Carney has signed legislation that will regulate barking dogs across the state. It will go into effect on October 9, 2025. While the legislation does not take effect for nearly a year, AKC encourages you to be mindful of the changes and how this new law may impact you and your dog.
Summary:
House Bill 124 will prohibit dogs from barking continuously for more than 15 minutes, or more than 30 minutes in total in a day. Rather than being enforced by local officials, the state’s Office of Animal Welfare will be tasked with enforcement. Those in violation of the new law will first be given a warning, with a second infraction resulting in a $50, while repeated violations could result in fines up to $150 for each additional infraction.
Fortunately, AKC was able to get exemptions added for dogs engaged in training, dog exhibitions, lawful performance competitions, hunting, herding, and livestock guarding. Service dogs are exempt so long as the barking is in the performance of its duties as a service dog. Other exemptions include shelters, grooming facilities, veterinarian offices, and dog day care and boarding facilities.
AKC also appreciates the bill provides exemptions if the dog is barking because a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property; an animal is intruding upon private property where the dog is located; or the dog is being teased or provoked; however, it ignores the fact that dogs bark for many reasons not covered by the bill. As such, it has the potential of making any dog owner in the state of Delaware subject to a complaint by any person who has issues with their dog owning neighbor.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor legislation in Delaware impacting dog owners. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.