Dogs in Somerville must be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks, with fines for violations and mandatory waste cleanup citywide.
Somerville requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet whenever they are off their owner's property, under the city's animal control ordinance and MGL Chapter 140 Section 173. Off-leash activity is permitted only inside designated and fenced dog parks such as Nunziato Field Dog Park and the Trum Field off-leash area during posted hours. Tethering a dog outside unattended is restricted, and extended tethering may be considered cruelty under state law. Dogs are prohibited from most school grounds, playgrounds, and athletic fields except along perimeter paths. Owners must carry waste bags and clean up immediately; failure to do so carries fines starting at 50 dollars. Leash violations start at 25 to 50 dollars and escalate with repeat offenses. All dogs must be licensed annually with the City Clerk and wear tags identifying license and rabies status.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Somerville, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle dog leash laws.
See how Somerville's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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