Animal Ordinances in Nashua, NH: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Nashua or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Nashua has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.
Cat Rules
Nashua doesn't license cats, but any cat off its owner's property that's a stray, nuisance, or diseased or injured can be impounded by Animal Control under City Code § 93-6.
Key details: Cat license: Not required in Nashua. Impoundable if: stray, nuisance, diseased, or injured. No-proof bond: $25 cash bond without rabies proof. Hold period: 7 days after written notice. Repeat offense: $25 additional penalty.
Violating this article is a violation under § 93-14, punishable per City Code § 1-12; a second cat impoundment adds a $25 penalty under § 93-6(F) before release.
Chickens & Livestock
Nashua allows up to six female chickens per lot in a coop, but bans roosters, egg sales, and free-roaming birds outside R-40 and R-30 zones.
Key details: Chicken limit: Up to 6 adult females per lot. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop/run setback: 20 feet from property line. Excluded zones: R-40 and R-30 districts. Commercial use: Egg sales and breeding banned.
Chapter 190 is enforced through the City's zoning enforcement process; a nonconforming coop, roaming chickens, roosters, or commercial egg sales are all standards violations subject to code enforcement action and correction orders.
Dog Leash Laws
Nashua dogs must be leashed or physically restrained whenever they leave their owner's property; the only exception is inside a City-approved, fenced off-leash dog park. Dogs caught loose can be impounded by Animal Control.
Key details: Leash required: off owner's premises. Off-leash exception: City-approved fenced dog parks only. At-large dogs: impounded under § 93-6. Enforced by: Animal Control Officer. Penalty: fine under § 93-14.
Violating § 93-5 lets the Animal Control Officer impound the dog under § 93-6; the owner is guilty of a violation and fined under the general penalty clause, § 93-14 of the City Code.
Pet Limits
Nashua bans keeping animals in an accessory structure in a manner so unsanitary it creates an imminent hazard to public health, as determined by the Health Officer.
Key details: Covers: Accessory structures only. Trigger: Imminent hazard to public health. Decided by: Health Officer or designee. No: Numeric pet-count limit.
Violating § 93-3 is enforced by the City; conviction is punished as provided in City Code § 1-12, with penalties applying per occurrence.
The Bottom Line
Nashua's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Nashua is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Nashua's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.