HILO, Hawai'i — The Hawai'i County Council has passed a tougher animal-control law to levy hefty fines for barking dogs and other noisy animals and require registration fees for pets.

The bill awaits Mayor Harry Kim's approval, but the county prosecutor and police administrator say it can't be enforced.

Supporters of tougher animal controls said they want to quell noise and protect themselves from irresponsible pet owners, while opponents argue their dogs are simply alerting them of intruders.

It outlaws animals from making "unreasonable" noise, which includes barking that disrupts communication, work or rest. Exempted are animals that respond to trespassers and those on commercial farms or in a kennel.

People found in violation could be fined $25 to $1,000. The current fine is $25 to $200.

But some council members said the bill wasn't exactly what they had hoped to pass.

Councilman Bob Jacobson said he wanted to address only biting, barking and loose dogs when he first proposed a tougher animal-control law nearly two years ago. He complained that the issue then expanded to include fighting chickens, cats and other animals.

Deputy Prosecutor Mitchell Roth, who has worked on the issue for years, warned lawmakers they were considering an overly vague law.

"I don't think I'll be able to take this to court," Roth said.

The bill also requires dog owners to pay $2 to $15 for a two-year license. Officers would be required to seize any unlicensed dog found running loose.