Dog leash laws in Bristol County are enforced at the municipal level under MGL Ch. 140. Most towns require dogs to be leashed (typically 6-7 ft) when off the owner's property. Annual dog licensing is required statewide through the local City or Town Clerk.
Bristol County requires dogs to be under control at all times per MGL c.140 §157. Dog licensing is required through the city/town clerk per MGL c.140 §155. Rabies vaccination required. Off-leash exercise in designated areas only. Animal control officers enforce dog laws. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-based. Many MA communities have active dog parks. MGL c.140 §157 allows selectmen/mayor to order restraint of nuisance dogs.
Dog at large: $25 to $100. Unlicensed dog: $50 to $100 + late fee. Failure to clean up: $25 to $100. Dangerous dog: significant penalties.
Bristol County, MA
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate o...
Bristol County, MA
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted ...
Bristol County, MA
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115....
Bristol County, MA
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunto...
Bristol County, MA
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. F...
Bristol County, MA
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle dog leash laws.
See how Acushnet Center's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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