Lawsuit filed after Minnesota city passes 'no barking' ordinance

WADENA, Minn. -- The Humane Society is suing the city of Wadena, Minnesota, for $50,000 in damages regarding an ordinance passed this summer that limits the time of the day dogs are allowed to bark.

The ordinance states dogs in commercial zones are only allowed to bark from 9:00am until 4:00pm. The humane society is located in one of those commercial zones. It's lawsuit states the no barking ordinance is unreasonable, and that it's inhumane to keep dogs inside for 17 hours.

Jody Grossinger, who lives next to the Humane Society, tells KVLY-TV that she's seen already seen officers writing tickets to owners if their dogs happen to bark at something after hours. Each ticket carries a $50 fine.

"It is ridiculous," Grossinger said. "You still can't tell a dog when to bark."

The Wadena County Humane Society didn't want to comment on the pending lawsuit. Neither did the mayor and council members who passed the ordinance after some neighbors complained about dogs barking at the Humane Society's facility.

A judge is set to hear the case later this month.