Animal Ordinances in Lowell, MA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Lowell, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Backyard chickens are permitted in Lowell in limited numbers with setback requirements; roosters and larger livestock are generally restricted in residential zones.
Lowell Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
All dogs in Lowell must be leashed when off the owner's property. Off-leash is permitted only at designated dog parks or on the owner's controlled property.
Lowell Dog Leash Laws and Off-Leash Rules
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 157 (Nuisance Dog Hearings)
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the do...
Breed Restrictions
Lowell does not ban or restrict any dog breed. Massachusetts state law MGL c.140 s.157A prohibits breed-specific legislation statewide.
Lowell Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsMGL Part I, Title XX, Chapter 140, Section 157A — Non-compliance of dog owner or keeper with order; transferring ownership or selling of dangerous dog
Section 157A. (a) An owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with an order of a hearing authority or district court shall be punished, for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days in a jail or house of correction, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days in a...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Lowell subject to MGL c.128 s.31A state registration with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and reasonable setback rules.
Lowell Beekeeping Rules and Registration
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Exotic animals in Lowell are tightly regulated by Massachusetts state law, which bans most wild mammals, venomous reptiles, and primates as personal pets.
Lowell Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Intentional feeding of deer, bears, coyotes, and waterfowl is discouraged in Lowell; feeding that creates a public health nuisance can be cited by the Board of Health.
Lowell Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Larger livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and cattle are generally prohibited on standard residential lots in Lowell without a Zoning Board special permit.
Lowell Livestock Rules in Residential Zones
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lowell city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Middlesex County →