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πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Dog Leash Laws

Dog Leash Laws: Burlington vs Somerville

How do dog leash laws rules compare between Burlington, MA and Somerville, MA?

Burlington has fewer restrictions than Somerville.

Burlington, MA

Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

Dogs in Middlesex County must be leashed in public under local bylaws issued per MGL c.140 s.173A. Most cities require 6-foot maximum leash; off-leash parks exist in Cambridge, Somerville, and many suburbs.

View full Burlington rules β†’

Somerville, MA

Middlesex County

Heavy Restrictions

Dogs in Somerville must be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks, with fines for violations and mandatory waste cleanup citywide.

View full Somerville rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBurlingtonSomerville
Max leash6 feet typical-
State authorityMGL c.140 s.173A-
Off-leash parksAvailable in major cities-
Middlesex FellsLeash required 6 ft-
First fine50 dollars typical-
Leash max length-6 feet in public
Off-leash areas-Designated dog parks only
Waste cleanup fine-From 50 dollars
Leash violation fine-25 to 50 dollars
License required-Annual, City Clerk

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Burlington FAQ

Where can I let my dog off-leash?

Only at designated dog parks and off-leash areas. Many Middlesex cities have them; check your town website.

Are retractable leashes legal?

Most towns specify a 6-foot maximum, so retractable leashes must be locked at 6 feet or shorter in public.

Somerville FAQ

Where are Somerville off-leash parks?

Nunziato Field Dog Park and certain posted off-leash hours at Trum Field are the primary city-designated areas.

Are retractable leashes allowed?

Retractable leashes must be locked at six feet or less in public; letting the leash extend beyond six feet may be cited as a violation.

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