Animal Ordinances in Chelsea, MA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Chelsea, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Chelsea requires every dog owner to keep their dog under restraint whenever it is off the owner's property, per Code of Ordinances § 4-48. A dog must be securely enclosed, tethered on a chain at least eight feet long, or walked on a leash no longer than five feet under a competent handler's control. Violations bring escalating criminal fines.
Chelsea Dog Leash and Restraint Rules
Some RestrictionsChelsea Code of Ordinances § 4-48
(c)It shall be the duty of every owner of any dog, or anyone having any dog in possession or custody, to ensure that the dog is kept under restraint and that reasonable care and precautions are taken to prevent the dog from leaving, while unattended, the real property limits of its owner, possessor or custodian, and that: ... (2)It is securely and humanly restrained by chain, cable and trolley,...
Breed Restrictions
Chelsea bans dangerous dogs from the city outright unless the police chief has ordered specific restraint conditions, under Code of Ordinances §§ 4-51 and 4-52. After a hearing, the chief can order a dog disposed of, permanently banned, or confined to a locked, minimum five-by-ten-foot enclosure with warning signage posted at the property.
Chelsea Dangerous Dog Ban and Restraint
Heavy RestrictionsChelsea Code of Ordinances §§ 4-51, 4-52
(a)There shall be a total ban of dangerous dogs anywhere within the city, excepting a dangerous dog kept in accordance and pursuant to an order of the chief of police. ... (c)Subsequent to a hearing by the chief of police, carried out in conformance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, § 157, the chief may order such animal disposed of or forever banned from with the limits of the city, or may...
Exotic Pets
Exotic pets in Massachusetts regulated under 321 CMR 9.01 (MassWildlife exemption list). Most wild animals are prohibited as pets without a license, and MassWildlife does NOT issue personal pet licenses. Exempt species include hedgehogs, chinchillas, sugar gliders, and certain reptiles.
Chelsea Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy Restrictions321 CMR 9.01
9.01: Exemption List Pursuant to the authority granted in M.G.L. c. 131, § 23, herewith is established a list of species which are exempt from the licensing provisions of M.G.L. c. 131, § 23. This list includes wild (i.e., non-domesticated) vertebrate animals which may be imported, sold or possessed without a permit. Note, however, that listing below does not affect other licensing requirements...
Wildlife Feeding
Chelsea bars feeding pigeons and wild birds on any public property and restricts feeding them on private property once it creates a nuisance or health risk, under Code of Ordinances § 4-10. Backyard bird feeders are allowed only if they draw no nuisance, and none may ever feed pigeons or seagulls. Violators face fines up to $300 per offense.
Chelsea Pigeon and Wild Bird Feeding Ban
Significant RestrictionsChelsea Code of Ordinances § 4-10
(c)Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity: ... (2)To willfully and intentionally feed pigeons and wild birds on any public property or property to which the public has right of access.(3)To willfully and intentionally feed pigeons and wild birds on private property if a nuisance is created or to the extent the public health is threatened. A bird feeder on private property s...