What will happen if a Massachusetts city or town finds a dog dangerous?

If, after a hearing, a city or town finds that a dog is dangerous, it will order one or more of the following:

  • That the dog be restrained;
  • That the dog be confined to the premises of the keeper of the dog;
  • That when removed from the premises, the owner muzzle the dog and restrain it with a chain or other tethering device;
  • That the owner of the dog keep insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 against any claim resulting from any acts of the dog;
  • That the owner of the dog provide information identifying the dog through its lifetime;
  • That the dog be humanely euthanized.