Animal Ordinances in Lynn, MA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Lynn, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Lynn requires a permit from the Inspectional Division to keep fowl, including chickens, hens, and pigeons, within city limits. Additional keeping and sanitation conditions apply, and larger livestock is limited by zoning.
Lynn Backyard Chicken & Livestock Permit
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lynn Animal Control, Laws and Ordinances
One must obtain a permit from the Inspectional Division to keep fowl (chickens, hens or pigeons), guinea pigs, rabbits, minks, or ferrets within city limits.
Dog Leash Laws
Lynn prohibits any dog from running at large; dogs must be indoors, in a safely enclosed yard, or on a leash. Dogs are licensed annually through the City Clerk, with licenses renewed by April 1.
Lynn Dog Leash & Licensing Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lynn Animal Control, Laws and Ordinances
No owner or keeper of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large at any time. Dogs shall be restrained by being kept indoors or in a yard sufficiently and safely enclosed or on a leash.
Breed Restrictions
Lynn cannot ban any dog breed. Massachusetts law (MGL c.140 §157) prohibits breed-specific legislation, so dangerous-dog decisions in Lynn are made on individual behavior, not breed.
Lynn Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Massachusetts requires every beekeeper to register hives with the Department of Agricultural Resources (MGL c.128 §32A). Lynn keepers also follow city zoning and nuisance rules on hive placement.
Lynn Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Massachusetts bans private possession of most wild and exotic animals without a MassWildlife license (321 CMR 9.00). In Lynn, keeping ferrets, minks, guinea pigs, or rabbits also requires an Inspectional Division permit.
Lynn Exotic & Wild Animal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Lynn Animal Control, Laws and Ordinances
One must obtain a permit from the Inspectional Division to keep fowl (chickens, hens or pigeons), guinea pigs, rabbits, minks, or ferrets within city limits.
Wildlife Feeding
Lynn has no dedicated wildlife-feeding ban, but intentional feeding that draws rodents or nuisance wildlife is enforced through the state sanitary code and public-nuisance rules. Unsecured trash and outdoor pet food are the usual triggers.
Lynn Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Essex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lynn city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Essex County →