Lawrence, MA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash length
- Under six feet, per § 6.04.190(A)
- Private property
- Barred without owner's specific permission
- Covers
- All public places, city and state property
- Impound admin fee
- $50.00 plus $50.00 first-day board
- Board fee after day one
- $25.00 per additional day
- Repeat citation
- $100.00 within same 12-month period
Summary
A dog in any public place in Lawrence, including city and state property within the city, must be on a lead or chain under six feet long and controlled by a capable handler. § 6.04.190 bars dogs from private property entirely without the owner's specific permission, and requires every dog to be under restraint at all times, not just in public.
A.No person who owns or harbors a dog shall allow such dog to be in any public place, upon any public way, or in any place to which the public has access as invitees or licensees, inclusive of all city-owned property and properties under the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that are situated in the City of Lawrence, unless such dog is accompanied by a person of adequate age and discretion properly to control its actions and such dog is restrained by a lead or chain of less than six feet that is of suitable proportion and strength to the dog being restrained.B.Under no circumstances shall a person who owns or keeps a dog allow such dog on any private property, unless specific permission has been granted by the owner of said property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).
Full Breakdown
at all times' and to 'exercise proper care and control' to prevent a nuisance, while subsection F requires a female dog in heat to be confined so she cannot reach another dog except for planned breeding. 220 until fees are paid and the dog is licensed and tagged.
Violations & Fines
An unrestrained or at-large dog can be impounded by the animal control officer under §§ 6.04.220 and 6.04.230, and reclaiming it costs a $50.00 administrative fee plus $50.00 board for the first day and $25.00 for each additional day under § 6.04.240(D). Citations for restraint violations follow the standard schedule: $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for later offenses within the same 12-month period, per § 6.04.240(G), with revocation of the owner's license after three violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my dog's leash be in Lawrence?
Can my dog go on a neighbor's property off-leash?
What happens if animal control picks up my loose dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
Compare Lawrence to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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