Dogs in Middlesex County must be leashed in public under local bylaws issued per MGL c.140 s.173A. Most cities require 6-foot maximum leash; off-leash parks exist in Cambridge, Somerville, and many suburbs.
Massachusetts General Laws c.140 s.173A authorizes each city and town to adopt leash laws. All Middlesex County communities have done so. Typical requirement: dogs must be under physical restraint (6-foot maximum leash) when off the owner's property, with licensed and vaccinated tags attached to the collar. Off-leash exceptions are available at designated dog parks. Cambridge has fenced off-leash areas at Fresh Pond Reservation (with permit), Danehy Park, and Hoyt Field. Somerville operates off-leash hours at Trum Field and Nunziato Field. Newton, Arlington, Lexington, and Concord have designated off-leash parks or trail systems. Middlesex Fells Reservation (DCR) requires leashes 6 feet or shorter at all times; voice control is not permitted. Fines for unleashed dogs typically start at 50 dollars and rise for repeat offenses. Animal control officers or police enforce locally.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Middlesex County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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