Animal Ordinances in Fall River, MA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Fall River, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Fall River Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, Sec. 157(c) (Restraint Orders for Dangerous Dogs)
If the hearing authority deems a dog a dangerous dog, the hearing authority shall order 1 or more of the following: (i) that the dog be humanely restrained; provided, however, that no order shall provide that a dog deemed dangerous be chained, tethered or otherwise tied to an inanimate object including, but not limited to, a tree, post or building; (ii) that the dog be confined to the premises ...
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.
Fall River Dangerous Dog Rules
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 6-15(B)
While on the owner's property, a dangerous or vicious dog must be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and designed to prevent the dog from escaping. Such pen or structure must have a minimum dimension of five feet by 10 feet and must have secure sides and a secure top. If it has no bottom secured to th...
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.
Fall River Wild Animal Ownership Ban
Heavy RestrictionsFall River Code § 6-19(A)
No wild animal, reptile or snake, imported or indigenous, may be kept within the City limits, except under such conditions as shall be fixed by the animal control officer. Wild animals may be kept for exhibition purposes by circuses, zoos, and educational institutions, in accordance with such regulations as shall be established by the animal control officer. Any wild animal which escapes and is...
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.
Fall River Wild Bird Feeding Ban
Significant RestrictionsFall River Code § 34-289
No person shall feed wild birds in any open space in any private or public place. This section shall not prohibit the use on private property of any device made and used solely for the purpose of dispensing birdseed.
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.
Fall River Dog Kennel & Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsFall River Code § 6-3(F); see also § 6-1 (definition of "Kennel", more than 4 dogs)
All kennels shall be limited to a total of 25 dogs to be maintained on said premises. It shall be a violation of this chapter to have any dogs on the premises over the above said number.
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fall River city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Bristol County →