Leash Law

Sec. 4-28. Restraint of dogs; nuisance abatement; notice to remove or destroy dog.

No person owning or harboring a dog shall suffer or allow it to run at large in any of the streets or public places in the city or allow it upon the premises of anyone other than the owner or keeper of such dog without the permission of the owner or occupant of such premises. No dog shall be permitted in any street or public place within the city unless it is effectively restrained as above defined by a chain or leash not exceeding seven (7) feet.

The keeping or harboring of any dog or other animal, whether licensed or not, which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or other noise disturbs or annoys any considerable number of persons or neighborhood is unlawful, and is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and each day shall constitute a separate offense. The provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140 shall be applicable.

It shall be the duty of each person who owns, possesses or controls a dog or any other animal, to remove and dispose of any feces left by such person’s dog or other animal, on any sidewalk, street or any other area to which the public has access. It shall be the duty of each person who owns, possesses or controls a dog or any other animal, to remove and dispose of any feces left by such person’s dog or other animal on private property abutting a public way while such person’s dog or animal is under restraint, control or command. This subsection shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any blind person.