Massachusetts prohibits private possession of most exotic and wild animals statewide. MassWildlife regulates permits, and the list of prohibited species is uniform across the Commonwealth.
Under M.G.L. Chapter 131 Section 23 and 321 CMR 9.01, possession of wild animals including big cats, bears, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves, and many native species is prohibited without a state permit. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife maintains an exemption list of permitted species. Permits for prohibited species are limited to licensed exhibitors, researchers, and educational institutions.
Fines up to $500 per offense; confiscation of animal; potential criminal charges; rehoming or euthanasia of seized animals.
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no operational county government - it was abolished July 11, 1997 under M.G.L. c. 34B - so there is no countywide noise ordinance. Massa...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. Dog licensing required statewide (MGL c.140 §155).
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no unified leaf blower ordinance. Regulations are set by individual cities and towns such as Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, and Lexington...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks prohibited.
Middlesex County, MA
Driveway rules are set by each Middlesex County city or town zoning bylaw. Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham regulate curb cuts, width, paving, a...
Middlesex County, MA
Winter parking bans are the dominant rule across Middlesex County. Most cities prohibit overnight on-street parking from November through April to allow snow...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle exotic pets.
See how Belmont's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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