Springfield, MA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild, wild-domestic hybrid, or vicious animal as a pet, for display, or for exhibition purposes. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, animal exhibitions, circuses, or approved trap-neuter-return programs, as defined in this chapter.

B. No person shall provide food or sustenance to wild animals, including unsterilized feral, stray, or community cats, in such a manner that would cause a public health or safety risk, or cause a nuisance as defined in this chapter.

C. An Animal Control Officer may remove any animals kept in violation of this section and either release such animal into its natural habitat or place it in a suitable facility.

D. No person shall keep any livestock animals on his/her property except as otherwise allowed by Springfield Zoning Ordinance or state law. An Animal Control Officer may seize and impound any animals kept in violation of this section or the Springfield Zoning Ordinance, as defined by this chapter and place it in a suitable facility.

E. Violations. Any person who keeps, feeds, or shelters an animal in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than:

(1) For the first violation: $50;

(2) For the second violation: $100; and

(3) For the third or subsequent violations: $300.