Jersey Town Out To Ban Dog Barking; Bird Chirping, Cat Meowing Currently Allowed

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CBS/WCBS) Muzzle it!

That's the word in Piscataway, N.J. as officials try to put dog owners on a financial leash if they can't keep their pets quiet for all 24 hours of the day.

In the town about 35 miles northeast of Trenton, an ordinance about incessant barking between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. has been expanded to include barking at any time of day.

And, yes, residents could be fined.

"That's not fair at all. Dogs shouldn't be scrutinized for what?" resident Anthony Brullo told CBS Affiliate WCBS. "They're talking! Talking is their barking!"

The ordinance was expanded to include round-the-clock complaints because the town got about 400 animal noise complaints last year.

Story Contributed by CBS Affiliate WCBS