Bristol County, MA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- MGL Ch. 140 §173 (leash requirements)
- Leash Length
- 6-7 feet (varies by town)
- License
- Annual through City/Town Clerk
- Enforcement
- Town animal control officers
Summary
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.
restrained; provided, however, that no order shall provide that a dog deemed dangerous be chained, tethered or otherwise tied to an inanimate object including, but not limited to, a tree, post or building; (ii) that the dog be confined to the premises of the keeper of the dog; provided, however, that ''confined'' shall mean securely confined indoors or confined outdoors in a securely enclosed and locked pen or dog run area upon the premises of the owner or keeper; provided further, that such pen or dog run shall have a secure roof and, if such enclosure has no floor secured to the sides thereof, the sides shall be embedded into the ground for not less than 2 feet; and provided further, that within the confines of such pen or dog run, a dog house or proper shelter from t
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Dog at large: $25 to $100. Unlicensed dog: $50 to $100 + late fee. Failure to clean up: $25 to $100. Dangerous dog: significant penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash in Bristol County?
What is the maximum leash length in Bristol County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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