The Animal Control Department, established under Massachusetts general law chapter 140, sections 136 – 174,

  • Responds to all calls relating to wild and domestic animals that may be sick, injured, or considered dangerous
  • Provides transportation to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) or a veterinarian as necessary

The department enforces all aspects of the City ordinance regarding cruelty to animals, as well as any instance involving an animal that may be abandoned or unclaimed.

Animal Control Officer

The Animal Control Officer, acting as the state appointed animal inspector for the City, oversees the containment of any unclaimed or dangerous animal while in the custody of the City.