Excessive noise ordinance for dog owners OK'd by Chicago City Council

Under the measure, which takes effect Nov. 17, the noise would have to occur continually for at least 10 minutes or intermittently for "a significant portion of the night." It also would have to be louder than the average conversation at a distance of 100 feet or more.

Police or animal control officials could make that determination, or three residents from different addresses could sign a complaint.

"It's not designed against the dog lovers," said sponsoring Ald. Richard Mell, 33rd. "It's against people who let their dogs sit out and bark all night or all day."

Here's how the measure defines excessive noise: "repeated or habitual barking, whining, crying, howling (and) whimpering." It's aimed at dogs but applies to any animal.