Norfolk County has no county-level leash law. Dog leash requirements are set by each municipality under MGL c. 140 §157. Most Norfolk County towns require dogs to be leashed in public and at large in private without owner consent.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 §157 authorizes municipalities to regulate dogs running at large and to order them restrained. Norfolk County does not operate a county animal control program — each city and town employs its own Animal Control Officer (ACO). Most Norfolk County municipalities require dogs to be on a leash or under voice control when off the owner's property. Designated off-leash areas (dog parks) are available in several communities. Dogs found running at large may be impounded. State law requires annual dog licensing (MGL c. 140 §136A) in the dog's home municipality.
Municipal animal control fines: typically $25–$100 for first offense, increasing for repeat violations. Impoundment fees may apply.
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley allows garage conversions to ADUs under Wellesley Zoning Bylaw §5.13 (as amended April 15, 2025 by Article 40.1) consistent with Section 8 of the M...
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley regulates ADUs under Section 5.13 of the Wellesley Zoning Bylaw. At the April 2025 Annual Town Meeting, Wellesley adopted Article 40.1 to amend its...
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley's Building Department exempts one-story sheds/accessory buildings of 100 square feet or less from a building permit, but they must still comply wit...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Norfolk County.
See how other cities in Norfolk County handle dog leash laws.
See how Wellesley's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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