Quincy's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Quincy, Massachusetts, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dog Leash Laws

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) bars owners from letting animals go at large off a leash, cord, or chain, or disturb others by barking; violations carry a $50 fine under City Code § 113-9 and § 113-12.

Key details: At large means: uncontrolled off owner's premises. Control required: leash, cord, chain, or rope. Exemption: signed off-leash areas. Fine: $50 noncriminal citation. Also bars: barking, biting, howling disturbances.

Fines up to the general Code penalty, plus a $50 noncriminal citation per offense under § 113-12 and MGL c. 40, § 21D.

Wildlife Feeding

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) bans feeding or baiting ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl in posted areas citywide, with fines up to $50 per offense under City Code § 113-1.

Key details: Covered birds: ducks, geese, swans (Anatidae). Fine: $50 per offense. Applies where: posted areas only. Enforcement: police, harbor masters, environmental police. Emergency exception: Director may authorize feeding.

Fines of $50 per offense under § 113-3; enforced by police, shellfish officers, harbor masters, and environmental police per § 113-4.

The Bottom Line

Quincy'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 Quincy is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Quincy's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.