Animal Ordinances in Fall River, MA

If you live in Fall River or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fall River has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Wildlife Feeding

Fall River bans feeding wild birds in any open space, public or private, citywide. The only exception is a device on private property built solely to dispense birdseed: hand-scattering food is not allowed.

Key details: Banned: Feeding wild birds in open spaces. Exception: Private birdseed-dispensing devices only. Applies to: Public and private property citywide. Citation: Fall River Code § 34-289.

Feeding wild birds in an open space violates § 34-289 and can draw the City's general penalty of up to $300 per day under Code § 1-15.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fall River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Fall River doesn't restrict dogs by breed, state law bars that, but a dog individually declared dangerous or vicious faces strict confinement, muzzling, insurance, and can be permanently banned from the City.

Key details: Registration deadline: Annually by April 1. Liability insurance required: $100,000 minimum. Confinement pen size: Minimum 5 ft by 10 ft. Off-property leash/muzzle: Lead not over 3 feet. Violation consequence: Permanent citywide ban.

Letting a declared dangerous or vicious dog roam unconfined or off-leash violates § 6-15(D)-(E); the owner faces a § 6-12 fine, and the dog is permanently banned from Fall River and destroyed if found here again.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fall River actively enforces its breed restrictions requirements.

Exotic Pets

Fall River bars keeping any wild animal, reptile, or snake within city limits except under conditions set by the animal control officer, and exhibitors like circuses and zoos need those same approved conditions.

Key details: General rule: No wild animals w/o ACO conditions. Exhibitors allowed: Circuses, zoos, schools only. Escaped animal: May be destroyed by ACO/police. Transport fine: At least $50 (§6-19B).

Keeping a wild animal, reptile, or snake without ACO-approved conditions violates § 6-19(A); an escaped or improperly transported animal may be destroyed by the animal control officer or police, and transport violations carry a fine starting at $50.

Compared to other cities, Fall River takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pet Limits

Keeping more than four dogs three months or older on one property makes it a City-licensed kennel in Fall River, Massachusetts, and even licensed kennels are capped at 25 dogs total.

Key details: Kennel license trigger: More than 4 dogs, 3+ months old. Maximum kennel size: 25 dogs total. Licensing authority: City Clerk, after ACO inspection. Enforcement: City Council can revoke license.

Keeping an unlicensed kennel (5+ dogs) or exceeding 25 dogs at a licensed kennel is a violation under § 6-12, with the City Council able to revoke or suspend the license after a hearing.

Dog Leash Laws

Fall River requires dogs to be on a leash no more than 6 feet long or confined to a fenced area when off the owner's premises. Dogs found 'at large' (off premises without leash control) are subject to citation. Annual dog licensing is required under MGL Ch. 140 §137.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 feet maximum. Leash Violation Fine: $25. License Required: Annual: failure to license $20. Waste Removal: $25 fine for failure.

Failure to leash: $25 (MGL Ch. 140 §173). Failure to license: $20 (MGL Ch. 140 §137/141). Failure to vaccinate: $50 (MGL Ch. 140 §145B). Failure to remove waste: $25. Failure to muzzle/restrain vicious dog: $100 (MGL Ch. 140 §167).

This is one of the stricter rules in Fall River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Fall River is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Fall River, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Fall River's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.