Animal Ordinances in Southborough, MA (2026)
3 verified animal ordinances for Southborough, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In Southborough no one can keep a horse anywhere in Town except in a stable licensed by the Board of Health. Stables must sit at least 150 feet from a neighbor's dwelling and 100 feet from a drinking water well, and licenses expire after two years.
Southborough Horse and Stable Licensing Bylaw
Significant RestrictionsSouthborough Code §§ 226-1 to 226-3
§ 226-1. Stable license required. No person shall erect, occupy or use for a stable any building or portion thereof or any other facility in the Town of Southborough until a license authorizing such use is granted by the Board of Health. ... § 226-2. Restriction on keeping horses. No person shall maintain a horse or horses anywhere in the Town of Southborough except in a stable for which a lice...
Dog Leash Laws
In Southborough, a dog is a public nuisance when it is found off its owner's premises, attacks persons or domestic animals, chases moving vehicles, or is on a public school ground when not under restraint. Chapter 81 bars owners from allowing that. Restraint means a restraining device or a competent person in control, and a muzzle alone does not count.
Southborough Dog Restraint and Public Nuisance Bylaw
Some RestrictionsSouthborough Code §§ 81-2, 81-3
PUBLIC NUISANCE Any dog shall be deemed a "public nuisance" if such dog is found to be not on the premises of the owner of such dog, if such dog attacks persons or domestic animals; or if such dog is found to be on a public school ground when not under restraint, if such dog chases moving vehicles or if such dog persistently and prolongedly barks and/or howls. Exceptions to this are as follows:...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In Southborough, a veterinarian, animal hospital or dog kennel needs a special permit in the Residence A district, and Residence B takes the same list. The Industrial District allows the use as of right. Chapter 174 defines a dog kennel as keeping or boarding more than three dogs over six months old.
Southborough Veterinarian and Kennel Zoning
Significant RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-2; § 174-8(C)(3)(b); § 174-8.2(B)(5); § 174-8.3(B); § 174-8.7(A)(5)
DOG KENNEL The keeping for sale or boarding purposes, including convalescence or treatment, of more than three dogs that are more than six months old. ... (b) References to a special permit being required for piggeries, dog kennels, riding stables and the raising of carnivorous fur-bearing animals are effective to the extent that such activities are not allowed by applicable state law or regul...