Animal Ordinances in Brockton, MA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Brockton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Brockton requires every dog to be under restraint at all times on public property, defined as a leash of six feet or less or a fenced enclosure, under City Code Section 3-7(a). Even a leashed dog cannot enter another person's property without permission, and any dog picked up unrestrained is impounded by the animal control officer.
Brockton Dog Leash and Restraint Law
Some RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-4, Sec. 3-7(a), Sec. 3-8(i)
Restraint. A leash not more than six (6) feet long, or a fenced-in area or pen as provided in this chapter. ... Sec. 3-7. - Restraint, confinement and control of animals. (a) All dogs shall be kept under restraint, as defined in this chapter in section 3-4, including but not limited to any dog on any public property including all parks, cemeteries, and public ways. ... Sec. 3-8. - Impoundment a...
Breed Restrictions
Brockton has no breed-based dog ban; instead, City Code Section 3-11 lets the chief of police, a mayor-appointed hearing officer, or an animal control officer bring any dog to a hearing to be declared dangerous or a nuisance under M.G.L. c. 140, Section 157(d). A dog declared dangerous can be barred from the city, ordered muzzled, and required to carry warning signage, with the owner able to appeal to district court.
Brockton Dangerous Dog Declaration Rules
Significant RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-11(a)-(d)
Sec. 3-11. - Dangerous and nuisance dogs, hearings, appeals. (a) In addition to any member of the public, the chief of police, or assigned hearing officer, any animal control officer, or any other city officer or employee as may be designated by the mayor may initiate the complaint and hearing procedures of section 157(d) of chapter 140 of the General Laws relative to declaring dogs nuisance or...
Pet Limits
Brockton caps household dog-keeping at four: Section 3-5(i) states flatly that "no person shall keep or control more than four (4) dogs on a single premises," and the city clerk cannot issue a fifth dog license for the same dwelling under Section 3-5(k). Anyone who wants more must obtain a kennel license under Section 3-16, which sets its own maximum on the permit itself.
Brockton Household Dog Limit
Some RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-5(i), (k); Sec. 3-16(b)
Sec. 3-5. - Licenses and tags. (i) No person shall keep or control more than four (4) dogs on a single premises. (k) The city clerk shall not issue any dog or kennel license to any person under the age of eighteen (18), nor issue more than four (4) dog licenses for any single dwelling unit, nor issue any kennel license for any multi-family dwelling or on the premises thereof, or any location wh...
Cat Rules
Brockton has no separate cat-licensing ordinance: City Code Section 3-3(a) applies the state's dog and cat control statute, M.G.L. c. 140, Sections 136A-174F, to cats "where applicable," leaving licensing to state law. The one local rule that reaches cats directly is the impound and quarantine fee in Section 3-8(d): $38 plus $16 for every day the animal is held.
Brockton Cat Regulations and Fees
Light RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-3(a), Sec. 3-8(d)
(a)The city shall implement to the fullest extent possible the provisions of sections 136A through 174F of chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as may be amended from time-to-time, as concerns the licensing and regulation of dogs and dog kennels, and, where applicable, cats and ferrets. ...In the event of any conflict between any part of this ordinance and any provision in sections 13...
Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Brockton does not require every pet to be spayed or neutered, but two rules force it in specific cases. Section 3-10 bars adopting an unclaimed shelter dog without sterilization, or without a $100 deposit refunded on proof of the procedure. Section 3-7(f) lets the city sterilize and microchip any dog picked up at large three times before returning it to the owner.
Brockton Mandatory Dog Sterilization Rules
Some RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-10; Sec. 3-7(f)
Sec. 3-10. - Sterilization. No unclaimed dog shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without written agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such animal will be sterilized and a deposit of at least one hundred dollars ($100.00) must be paid at the time of adoption, one hundred dollars ($100.00) to be returned after proof of sterilization. ... Sec. 3-7(f): If a reproducti...
Microchipping
Brockton does not require microchips for ordinary pets, but every guard dog must be implanted with one at the owner's expense under City Code Section 3-23(g), and it is unlawful to harbor an unchipped guard dog under Section 3-23(j). Separately, a dog picked up at large three times can be microchipped by the city before it is returned.
Brockton Guard Dog Microchipping Rule
Some RestrictionsBrockton, MA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-23(g), (j); Sec. 3-7(f)
Sec. 3-23. - Guard dogs in general. (g) The owner of the guard dog service or the owner of the guard dog shall at his or her own expense have the guard dog implanted with an electronic animal identification device (microchip) and provide the animal control department with the microchip manufacturer and number. ... (j) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to own or harbor any...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
A veterinary hospital, animal hospital or pet shop cannot open by right anywhere in Brockton. Zoning Ordinance § 27-29(3)(e) lists these uses only as a special use in the C-2 general commercial zone, so operators must win a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals and pass a building department inspection before the doors open.
Brockton Veterinary and Pet Shop Zoning Rules
Significant RestrictionsBrockton Zoning Ordinance (Appendix C) § 27-29(3)(e)
3.Permitted special uses. The following special uses are permitted under the provisions of Article V, pursuant to Article VII.a.Any special use permitted in the C-1 Zone.b.Gasoline stations.c.Adult day care facilities.d.Open air or drive-in theatres.e.Pet shop, animal hospital or veterinarian.f.Car washing establishment.g.Eating and drinking establishments with drive-through service.h.Hotel, mo...
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