Administrative Hearing Guide for Barking Dogs and Dangerous Animals

In July of 1987, the City of Los Angeles enacted ordinances (LAMC 53.18.5, 53.34.4, 53.63) which authorized the Department of Animal Services to conduct administrative hearings.

Complaints about excessive barking dogs must be made in writing to the Department; please visit our Barking Dog Complaint page for details. For complaints about dangerous animals, please visit our Dangerous Animal Complaint page.

If the problems are not resolved through the Department’s complaint process, the complaint may be referred to an Administrative Hearing, the final mechanism for members of the public wishing to resolve issues involving excessive barking and dangerous animals. An Administrative Hearing is a legal and formal process to resolve such issues. The program is designed to allow the Department to more effectively provide for the public health, safety, and welfare. In many instances, the Administrative Hearing program also enhances the care, protection, and quality of life for animals by regulating the manner in which the animals are to be maintained in this City.

Any additional questions may be directed to your nearest Los Angeles Animal Shelter.

This Administrative Hearing Procedure is available here.