Animal Ordinances in Worcester, MA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Worcester, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Worcester requires dogs to be leashed or under control of the owner at all times when off the owner's property under city ordinance and MGL Chapter 140. Dogs running at large may be impounded.
Worcester Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 157 – Nuisance and dangerous dogs
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 of the keeper of the dog; provided, however, that ''confined'' shall mean securely confined indoors or confined outdoors in a securely enclosed a...
Breed Restrictions
Worcester does not enforce breed-specific legislation. Massachusetts law regulates dogs based on individual behavior, not breed. Dogs that bite or threaten may be declared dangerous regardless of breed.
Worcester Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, § 157A – Failure to comply; dangerous dog penalties
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 jail or house of ...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in Worcester. Massachusetts requires beekeepers to register with the state Apiary Program. Worcester adopted an urban agriculture ordinance that addresses agricultural activities on residential property.
Worcester Beekeeping Regulations
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Massachusetts has strict exotic animal regulations under MGL Chapter 131, Section 23 and CMR 321.9.01. Most wild, exotic, and non-domesticated animals require permits from MassWildlife. Many species are prohibited.
Worcester Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Worcester County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Worcester city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Worcester County →