Animal Ordinances in Taunton, MA (2026)
3 verified animal ordinances for Taunton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Taunton requires every dog to be under leash or direct control whenever it leaves its owner's property, on someone else's premises, or anywhere on public land. The leash must be a chain, rope or cord of six feet or less, strong enough to control the dog. The Animal Control Officer can impound a loose dog, and City Code Section 191-4 sets a $50 fine for a first offense, doubling and tripling for repeats in the same year.
Taunton Dog Leash and Restraint Law
Some RestrictionsTaunton City Code § 191-2
No owner or keeper of a dog shall cause such dog to run at large on the premises of the owner or keeper unless such dog is in the custody of the owner or keeper or another responsible person and is restrained and controlled by means of a leash consisting of a chain, rope, or cord not exceeding six feet in length of sufficient strength to constrict the action of said dog; or the dog is next to a...
Breed Restrictions
Taunton does not regulate dogs by breed; instead City Code Section 191-6 targets dogs of fierce, dangerous or vicious propensities and female dogs in heat. Such a dog cannot run at large on or off its owner's property and must be kept in a clean, adequately sized enclosure, with enclosures barred from residential zones within 1,000 feet of a dwelling absent written neighbor consent.
Taunton Vicious Dog Enclosure Rules
Significant RestrictionsTaunton City Code § 191-6
No dog of fierce, dangerous or vicious propensities and no female dog in heat, whether licensed or not, except when on duty under the direct control and supervision of a police officer or other law enforcement officer or properly trained and certified security dog handler, shall be allowed to run at large whether on or off the premises of the owner or keeper, but such dog shall be kept at all t...
Pet Limits
Taunton treats any lot with three or more dogs as a kennel under City Code Section 191-8, requiring a Municipal Council license. Class I covers four to six dogs, Class II seven to 12, and Class III more than 12, each needing a public hearing, an Animal Control Officer inspection, and compliance with setback and shelter rules keyed to the class.
Taunton Kennel License Dog Limits
Significant RestrictionsTaunton City Code § 191-8
Definition. ... For purposes of this section, the word "kennel" shall mean one pack or collection of dogs on a single lot, whether maintained for breeding, boarding, sale, training, hunting, or other purposes, and including any shop where dogs are on sale, and also including every pack or collection of dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single lot irrespective of the purpose for w...
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Taunton city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Bristol County →