What can I do about a dangerous dog in Massachusetts?

By on October 7, 2015

In Massachusetts, you can file a complaint with the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in a city or town is a dangerous dog or is a nuisance (G.L. c 140 § 157). The city or town’s hearing authority will investigate the complaint and take an examination under oath of the person complaining […]

Can I find out information about a dog after a dog attack?

By on October 7, 2015

You can find information about a dog and its owner after a dog attack. Massachusetts law requires that a dog be licensed, tagged, and that the city or town clerk make a record of the owner and the name, registered number, and description of the dog.  These records are open for public inspection. So, if […]

Is a Massachusetts dog license valid throughout the state?

By on October 7, 2015

A Massachusetts dog license is valid throughout the state. However, if the dog is permanently moved to another city or town in Massachusetts, the owner or keeper must deliver the original license and tag to the town clerk within 30 days of the move.  The clerk will then deliver a transfer license and tag to […]

Can a dog owner get a license for their dog if it was not vaccinated for rabies in Massachusetts?

By on October 7, 2015

A city or town clerk is not allowed to grant a license for any dog unless the dog owner provides a veterinarian’s certificate that the dog was vaccinated for rabies.  (G.L. c. 140, s. 137)  The veterinarian’s certificate must include the owner’s name, description of the animal, date of vaccination, rabies vaccination tag number, and […]