City Council - Ordinance Committee
Regular MeetingChicopee, MA · September 9, 2015
Minutes
CHICOPEE CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
APPROVED 9-21-2015
MEMBERS
James Tillotson, Chairman
Gary Labrie, Vice-Chairman
Robert J. Zygarowski
Frank Laflamme
Timothy McLellan
MINUTES
September 9, 2015
The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the
City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.
Members Present: Tillotson, Labrie, Laflamme, Zygarowski
Members Absent: McLellan
Also Present: Dan Garvey (Asst. City Solicitor), Councilor Lamontagne, Councilor
Krampits, Councilor Brooks, Councilor Zaskey, Jeff Neece (DPW
Superintendent), Al Pinciak (Water Commissioner), Jennifer Wolowicz (Water
Commissioner), Richard Grabiec (Water Commissioner), Al Starzyk (Water
Superintendent)
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM.
In compliance with the open meeting laws the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the
meeting.
ITEM #1
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council that the Code of the City of Chicopee for the Year 1991, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended as follows:
Delete in its entirety Chapter 144 Dogs and Other Animals
And insert in place thereof
Chapter 144 Dogs and Other Animals
144-1 Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
ANIMAL
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Any live, vertebrate or nonvertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding Homo sapiens.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The person or persons designated to enforce this chapter.
ANIMAL EXHIBITION
Any spectacle, display, act or event, other than circuses, in which animals are used.
ANIMAL SHELTER
Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency or its authorized
agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this
chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CIRCUS
A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.
COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any pet shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal
exhibition or kennel.
DANGEROUS DOG
A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any dog with a
propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of
human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which attacks a human being or a domestic animal
on two or more occasions without provocation.GUARD DOGS
Dogs which meet the provisions of MGL c. 129, § 39B.
HUMANE OFFICER
Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a municipal government
or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties
under MGL c. 147, § 10.
KENNEL
Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of
boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee or selling dogs or engages in
training dogs for guard or sentry purposes or every pack or collection of more than three
dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises, irrespective of the
purpose for which they are maintained.
LICENSING AUTHORITY
The City Clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.
OWNER
Any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals.
An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.
PET
Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any animal which:
A.
Molests passersby or passing vehicles.
B.
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Attacks other animals.
C.
Trespasses on school grounds except for a school mascot or service animal.
D.
Is at large in violation of this chapter.
E.
Damages private or public property.
F.
Barks, whines or howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area.
G.
Bites or attacks any persons.
RESTRAINT
Dogs must be on a leash not more than six feet long, except when the dog is confined in a
fenced-in area or pen.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
[Added 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-11]
SNAKE
Any limbless reptile having a scaly body, whether poisonous or not.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC
Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases and inquiries of animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
Any animal or animals that constitute a physical threat to human beings or other animals.
ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species of
domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership, corporation
or government agency.
§ 144-2 Permit for commercial animal establishments and animals shelters.
A. No person, partnership or corporation shall operate a commercial animal establishment or
animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this chapter.
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B. The City shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall include
requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this
chapter and other applicable laws. The City may amend such regulations from time to time
as is deemed desirable for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.
C. Upon showing by an applicant for a permit that he is willing and able to comply with the
regulations promulgated by the City, a permit shall be issued upon payment of the
applicable fee.
D. The permit period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Renewal applications for
permits shall be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after April 1. Application for a
permit to establish a new commercial animal establishment under the provisions of this
chapter may be made at any time.
E. If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner may
have the current permit transferred to his name upon payment of a transfer fee of $25 ;
provided, however, that the new owner must comply with Subsection C of this section.
F. Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee after inspection by the
proper authority:
(1) For each kennel authorized to house four dogs or fewer: $50.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(2) For each kennel authorized to house 10 dogs or fewer: $75.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(3) For each kennel authorized to house more than 10 dogs: $100.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(4) For each zoological park: $100.
(5) For each circus: $125.
(6) For each performing animal exhibition: $50.
(7) For each grooming shop: $50.
G. Every facility at a different address regulated by this chapter shall be considered a separate
enterprise and requires an individual permit.
H. Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility covered in this chapter or failure to
obtain said license by April 1 of each year shall result in a fine of up to $200.
I. Any person or facility which has a change in the category under which a permit was issued
shall be subject to reclassification, and appropriate adjustment of the permit fee shall be
made.
J. No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, clinic, animal shelter or government
operated facility.
§ 144-3 License and permit issuance.
A. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the City or designated
agents or any special police officer appointed under MGL c. 147 § 10 (c. 147, § 10, since
repealed), or the inspector of animals appointed under MGL c. 129, §§ 15 and 16, be
permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where animals are kept at any time, and, if
permission for such inspections is refused, the agent shall seek a search warrant to enter
and inspect the property.
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B. If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the City may
notify the licensing authority who may refuse to issue, suspend or revoke a permit or
license.
C. Any person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals may not be issued a permit or
license to operate a commercial animal establishment for a period of five years.
D. Any person having been denied a license or permit may reapply after conditions have been
corrected upon which denial was based. Each reapplication shall be accompanied by a fee
of $25
E. Any person whose permit or license is revoked shall, within ten days thereafter, be
responsible for the placement of humane disposal of all animals, kept or harbored, and no
part of the permit or license fee shall be refunded. Failure to place or humanely dispose of
any animal kept or harbored shall result in a fine of up to $200.00
§ 144-4 Restraint.
A. All dogs shall be kept under restraint, as defined in this chapter.
B. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals to prevent them from
becoming a public nuisance.
C. Every female dog in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a
manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another animal except for
planned breeding.
D. Every vicious animal, as determined by the City after a hearing, shall be confined by the
owner within a building or secure enclosure and shall be securely muzzled or caged
whenever off the premises of its owner.
E. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals. The fine for any
animal that barks, whines, howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area shall be:
first offense $25; second offense $50; third and subsequent offenses $100.
[Added 6-20-2000 by Ord. No. 00-50]
§ 144-5 Impoundment; citations.
A. Unrestrained dogs and nuisance animals shall be taken by the animal control officers,
police, humane officers or board of health officials and impounded or quarantined in an
animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner.
B. Impounded or quarantined dogs shall be kept for not fewer than 7 days or any lesser
minimum period permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the commonwealth
unless claimed by the owner within that period.
C. If, by a license tag or other means, the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the
animal control officer shall return the animal to the owner and issue a citation or impound
the dog and immediately notify the owner by telephone or mail.
D. An owner reclaiming an impounded or quarantined dog shall pay an administrative fee of
$40, plus $15 for each day the animal has been impounded.
E. Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within 7 days, or any lesser minimum period
permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the commonwealth, shall become the
property of the local government authority and shall be placed for adoption in a suitable
home or humanely euthanized. If a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the animal is
in significant pain and has no reasonable chance of recovering or having a good quality of
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life, the animal may be euthanized at any time. The City shall not be liable for any
disposition of animals in accordance with this Section.
F. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and board of health officials of the
City shall be empowered to issue citations to the owners of animals for violations of this
chapter and to otherwise enforce this chapter.
G. If a citation is issued, a penalty of $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second and
subsequent offenses within the licensing period must be paid within 21 days in full
satisfaction of the assessed penalty. In the event that such penalty is not paid within the
time period prescribed, a criminal warrant shall be initiated before a magistrate, and, upon
conviction of a violation of this chapter, the owner shall be punished as provided in § 144-7.
H. The City shall review automatically all licenses issued to animal owners against whom three
or more violations of this chapter have been assessed in a twelve-month period.
I An Animal control Center or veterinarian may, in its sole discretion, administer veterinary
care to sick of injured animals impounded under this Chapter. If the Owner of the animal can be
identified, the Owner shall be responsible for the payment of such veterinary expenses.
I§ 144-6 Enforcement.
A. . It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with a humane officer, animal control officer
or other person(s) designated by the City to enforce this chapter in the performance of their
duties.
B. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and Board of Health officials of the
City shall be empowered to issue citations to the Owners of animals for violations of this
chapter and to otherwise enforce this chapter.
§ 144-7 Violations and penalties.
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter:
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less
than $10 and not more than $300.
B. If any violation is continuing, each day's violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
C. Any person found in violation of any part of this chapter by the Board of Health or a court
shall have his/her permit to own, keep, harbor or have custody of animals revoked and no
new permit will be issued.
§ 144-8 Animal care.
The minimum standards of animal care must meet all requirements of state and federal laws.
§ 144-9 Keeping of wild animals.
The keeping of wild animals must meet all requirements of state and federal laws and fish and
wildlife laws.
§ 144-10 Assignment of duties of Board of Health Commissioners.
The Mayor may designate the Board of Health Commissioners or their appointees as the authority
to fulfill such responsibilities of the City as he deems proper which are set out in this chapter.
Notice of such designation shall be filed with the City Clerk no less than 15 days before the
effective date of any such designation or appointment.
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§ 144-11 Keeping swine.
No swine shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City, except for the purpose of
immediate slaughtering..
§ 144-12 Keeping fowl.
No fowl shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City except where allowed by zoning
regulations.
§ 144-13 Animals at large or depasturing in streets.
No person shall permit any sheep, goat, swine, mule, ass, horse or meat cattle belonging to him or
under his control to go at large or depasture in any street, lane or alley or on any common in the
City.
§ 144-14 Animals on sidewalks.
No person shall permit any goat, sheep, swine, horse, mule, ox or cow under his care to go upon
any sidewalk in the City, except for the purpose of crossing such sidewalk to go to or from some
adjourning enclosure.
§ 144-15 Grazing animals in streets.
No person shall permit any horse, cow, swine or goat or other grazing animal to go at large in any
street.
§ 144-16 Protection of trees, lampposts and hydrants.
No person shall tie a horse or other animal to a tree, lamppost or hydrant which is on City property.
§ 144-17 through § 144-19. (Reserved)
§ 144-20 Licensing of dogs.
A. Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over three months of
age within this City must obtain a license as provided in this chapter.
B. Application for licenses shall be made to the licensing authority, which shall include the
name and address of the applicant, a description of the animal, proof of rabies vaccination
or proof of exception and the appropriate fee.
C. If not revoked, licenses for the keeping of dogs shall be for a period of one year. The
licensing period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Reapplication for a license
may be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after April 1.
D. Application for a license must be made within 30 days after obtaining a dog over three
months of age. This requirement will not apply to a nonresident keeping a dog within the
City for less than 60 days.
E. License fees shall not be required for service animals or governmental police dogs.
Application shall be made, however, to the licensing authority, and tags issued by the
authority must be worn.
[Amended 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-12]
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F. Upon acceptance of the application and license fee, the licensing authority shall issue a
durable tag or identification collar stamped with an identifying number and year of issuance.
Tags should be designed so that they may be conveniently fastened or riveted to the
animal's collar or harness.
G. Dogs must wear identification tags at all times.
H. The licensing authority shall maintain records of the identifying numbers of all tags issued
and shall make this record available to the public.
I. Failure to obtain license.
[Amended 2-17-2009 by Ord. No. 09-72; 5-4-2010 by Ord. No. 10-16]
(1) Persons who fail to obtain a license as required within the time period specified in this
chapter shall be fined $5 for each month or part of a month they are late in obtaining such
license, up to a maximum fine of $50 per dog.[1]
J. A license shall be issued after payment of the applicable fee:
(1) For each unneutered male dog: $25.
(2) For each neutered male dog: $5.
(3) For each unspayed female dog: $25.
(4) For each spayed female dog: $5.
K. A duplicate license may be obtained upon payment of a replacement fee of $2.
L. No person may use any license for any dog other than for the dog for which it was issued.
M. No person shall keep or control more than three dogs on a single premises.
N. All licensed dogs shall be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
O. All permitted sources of dogs, including shelters, rescue organizations, pet shops,
professional breeders and veterinarians, operating within the City of Chicopee shall notify the
Licensing Authority upon transfer of ownership of any dog. The City Clerk may authorize these
permitted sources to register dogs and remit the fees to the City Clerk’s office within five days
thereafter.
§ 144-21 Animal waste.
A. The owner of every dog shall be responsible for the removal of any fecal matter deposited
by the owner's animal(s) on his or her property, public walks, recreation areas or private
property. "Owner" includes person(s) who possess or control the dog.
B. The owner or person(s) who possess or control the dog when appearing with the dog on
any public walk, street, recreation area or private property shall possess the means of
removal of any fecal matter left by such dog.
C. For purposes of this regulation, the means of removal shall include any tool, implement or
other device carried for the purpose of picking up and containing such fecal matter. Disposal
shall be accomplished by transporting such fecal matter to a place suitable and regularly
reserved for the disposal of human fecal matter, specifically reserved for disposal of dog
fecal matter or otherwise designated as appropriate by the Director of Public Health.
D. Any person who violates this section shall be punished by a fine of $50 for the first offense,
$100 for a second offense and $300 for any third or subsequent violation..
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§ 144-22 Sterilization of dogs released for adoption.
No unclaimed dog shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without written
agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such animal will be sterilized and a deposit of at
least $35 must be paid at the time of adoption, $25 to be refunded after proof of sterilization.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the Board of Health of their designee that a
dog owned or kept in the City is a nuisance or dangerous dog. To consider declaring a dog
a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog, an Animal Control officer of the City may initial a
special hearing before the Board of Health to consider any evidence collected and take
charge of and impound the animal. The Animal Control Center shall notify the Owner of the
dog by certified letter, or Sheriff’s Department delivery of such special hearing and the
Owner may attend and have an opportunity to be heard. Special hearings under this
Section shall be public meetings under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At this special hearing, the Board of Health will determine whether to declare such dog a
Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, based upon the facts presented. If the dog is declared a
Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, the City Clerk shall notify the abutter(s) next door and
across the street by regular mail and in the classified section of the local newspaper of such
findings at the Owner’s sole expense.
No dog shall be declared a Nuisance or Dangerous Dog:
(1) Solely based upon growling or barking;
(2) Based upon the breed of the dog;
(3) If the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog’s reaction was not
grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances:
(a) The dog was protecting or defending itself, its offspring, another domestic animal
or a person from assault or attack
(b) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was committing a crime
upon the person or property of the Owner of the dog.
(c) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was engaging in teasing,
tormenting, battering, assaulting, injuring or otherwise provoking the dog.
(d) At the time of the attack or threat, the person or animal that was attacked or
threatened by the dog had breached an enclosure or structure in which the dog
was kept apart from the public and such person was not authorized by the Owner
of the premises to be within such enclosure including but not limited to a gated,
fenced-in area if the gate was closed, whether locked or unlocked; provided
however that if a person is under the age of seven, it shall be a rebuttable
presumption that such person was not committing a crime, provoking the dog or
trespassing.
Dogs declared to be Nuisance or Dangerous dogs
If the Board of Health for the City of Chicopee deems a dog to be a Nuisance Dog or
Dangerous Dog, the Board of Health may order one or more of the following:
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(a) That the dog be humanely restrained.
(b) That the dog be confined to the premises of the Owner of the Dog; provided,
however, that “confined” shall mean securely confined indoors or confined
outdoors in a securely enclosed and locked pen or dog run upon the premises of
the Owner.
(c) That, whenever, the dog is removed from the premises of the Owner, the dog
shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other
tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred pounded and
not exceeding three feet in length.
(d) That the animal shall be surgically sterilized and microchipped with the microchip
registered to the City, with all costs associated with these services to be borne by
the Owner.
(e) That the Owner construct, within two weeks form the date of decision a Secure
Enclosure to house the dog when it is in the Owner’s yard. The Board of Health
may order that, during construction period, the dog be publicly impounded at an
animal shelter or a private veterinary hospital until the Secure Enclosure is
constructed. If the Owner chooses not to build a Secure Enclosure in accordance
with the Board’s order or of the dog is found on a property not owned or controlled
by the Owner or not restrained in the Secure Enclosure, an order that the dog be
euthanized may be issued by the Board of Health. The effectiveness of the
Secure Enclosure shall be subject to periodic inspections by an Animal Control
officer, as deemed necessary. The fee for said inspection shall be $75. If the
Owner is found violating the Secure Enclosure requirement, immediate public
impoundment of the dog shall be done by the Animal Control Center during the
time the violation continues to exist, and the Owner shall bear all cost(s) for such
public impoundment. The fine for such violation shall be $200 per day.
(f) That ownership of the dog may not be transferred unless the transfer of
ownership is to an adult residing within the same residence and said dog shall
remain housed solely at the residence.
(g) That, if the Owner of the dog fails to appear at a hearing in front of the Board of
Health and the dog is declared a dangerous dog, the dog shall be impounded
and/or euthanized; and/or
(h) That the dog be humanely euthanized, immediately, or summarily upon the
Owner’s failure to comply with conditions imposed by the Board of Health.
(i) Ban the dog from the City of Chicopee.
With regard to Dangerous Dogs and Nuisance Dogs, if there are no additional instances of
the dangerous of nuisance behavior within a thirty-six month period from the date of
designation, the dog shall be removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs and/or Nuisance
Dogs. The dog may, but is not required to be, removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs
and/or Nuisance Dogs prior to the expiration of the thirty-six month period if the Owner of
the dog demonstrates to the Board of Health at a special hearing that changes in
circumstances or measures taken by the Owner, such as training, have mitigated the risk to
the public safety.
Any and all costs for the impounding a Dangerous will be borne by the Owner unless
determined otherwise by the Board of Health or court of final appeal. An Owner reclaiming
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a Dangerous or Nuisance Dog shall pay an administrative fee of $40, plus following costs,
where applicable:
(1) A boarding fee of $22.00 per dog, per day
(2) All outstanding fines, except for any fine for which a timely appeal is pending.
(3) All veterinary charges, drug and other medical expenses;
(4) The cost of sterilization
(5) The cost of rabies vaccinations
(6) The cost of license and registration; and
(7) The cost of microchip implementation and registration.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
A. A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any dog with a
propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the
safety of human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which attacks a human being or a
domestic animal on two or more occasions without provocation.
B. There shall be a total ban of dangerous and vicious dogs from anywhere within the City,
except that a dangerous and vicious dog which has been owned, kept and properly
registered within the City limits prior to November 1, 1998, by a resident may be maintained
on the private property owned or controlled by said resident owners. While on said private
property of its owner the dangerous or vicious dog must be restrained in a secure area so
that the dangerous or vicious dog cannot gain access to public areas. Restraint of a
dangerous or vicious dog in a secure area shall mean that the dangerous or vicious dog
shall be kept exclusively upon the owner's own premises in an enclosed and locked pen
with a top and sides at least six feet in height. The dangerous or vicious dog shall not be
enclosed in such a manner that it may go or reach beyond the property line.
C. An owner may transport a dangerous or vicious dog within the City limits for medical or
veterinary care, provided that said animal is properly restrained by being both muzzled and
leashed, with the leash not to exceed a length of six feet.
D. The owner of any dangerous or vicious dog, if said animal is found on property not owned or
controlled by its owner or not restrained in a secure area per Subsection B of this section,
shall be subject to a fine of $250, and said animal shall be forever banned from within the
limits of the City of Chicopee.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
E. Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs found within the City of Chicopee and not properly
registered shall be subject to a fine of $50, and said animal shall be forever banned from
within the limits of the City.
F. Each day there exists violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute and be
punishable as a separate offense.
G. Any dog for which the dog officer of the City or county or the director of health has verified
report of having attacked or bitten any person shall be considered a dangerous or vicious
dog. A copy of any such report shall be forwarded to the City Clerk for filing and such dog
shall not be reregistered in the City unless the owner is in full compliance with this chapter.
H. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall not be a defense to an order of
disposal of a vicious dog pursuant to MGL c. 140, § 157.
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I. All notice and hearing procedures will be carried out in conformance with MGL c. 140,
§ 157.
§ 144-24 Dogs biting or attacking persons or other animals.
A. Notice to owner. Any person, after receiving written notice that the dog owned or controlled
by him has attacked and/or bitten or caused injury or otherwise endangered the safety of
any person(s) or domestic animal(s) within the City in such a manner as to be deemed a
menace, nuisance and a threat by the Board of Health, and after receiving a subsequent
written notice of a repetition or continuance of such act or acts, shall not be permitted to
keep such dog within the City limits. In each instance, such written notice(s) shall be
reasonably definite and informative to the owner or person controlling the dog(s) as to the
person, time, place and manner of the incident or disturbance to have occurred.
B. Penalty. Any owner or person in control of a dog who fails to comply with the provisions of
the above Subsection A shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50. However, the
Board of Health before which the complaints are heard shall have the authority to waive
such fines after being satisfied that the dog license required and obtained from the City
Clerk has been attached to the collar of the dog, and that the dog complained of has not
violated Subsection A or any action(s) described in such subsection.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-25 Dogs on school premises.
A. The owner or keeper of any dog shall not allow his dog to be upon any school grounds
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any day that such schools are in session.
B. Any owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be
punished by a fine of not more than $100.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-26 Performing animal exhibitions.
The provisions of §§ 144-23 and 144-24 shall not apply to so-called "dangerous and vicious dogs"
or so-called "pit bulls" when said dogs are part of a performing dog show, circus or animal
exhibition that meets all of the requirements of state and federal laws regarding such performances
or exhibitions.
§ 144-27through § 144-29. (Reserved)
§ 144-30 Dead animals; responsibility for unrestrained animals.
A. The responsibility for the removal of any dead animal shall be with the Board of Health,
unless otherwise provided by law.
B. Any live animal whose restraint or removal is not herein provided for shall be the
responsibility of the Board of Health.
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Councilor Tillotson stated that we’re updating our ordinance to comply with the new State rules.
The intent of the people who sponsored this legislation wanted to make sure dogs were treated humanely
as possible and not brought to an animal shelter to be euthanized.
Councilor Tillotson read chapter 144. After discussion the Committee recommended the ordinance be
revised as follows;
Committee amended the Ordinance as follows;
Chapter 144 Dogs and Other Animals
144-1 Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
ANIMAL
Any live, vertebrate or nonvertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding Homo sapiens.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The person or persons designated to enforce this chapter.
ANIMAL EXHIBITION
Any spectacle, display, act or event, other than circuses, in which animals are used.
ANIMAL SHELTER
Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency or its authorized
agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this
chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CIRCUS
A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.
COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any pet shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal
exhibition or kennel.
DANGEROUS DOG
A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any dog with a
propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of
human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which attacks a human being or a domestic animal
on two or more occasions without provocation.GUARD DOGS
Dogs which meet the provisions of MGL c. 129, § 39B.
HUMANE OFFICER
Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a municipal government
or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties
under MGL c. 147, § 10.
KENNEL
Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of
boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee or selling dogs or engages in
training dogs for guard or sentry purposes or every pack or collection of more than three
dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises, irrespective of the
purpose for which they are maintained.
LICENSING AUTHORITY
13
The City Clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.
OWNER
Any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals.
An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.
PET
Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any animal which:
A.
Molests passersby or passing vehicles.
B.
Attacks other animals.
C.
Trespasses on school grounds except for a school mascot or service animal.
D.
Is at large in violation of this chapter.
E.
Damages private or public property.
F.
Barks, whines or howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area.
G.
Bites or attacks any persons.
RESTRAINT
Dogs must be on a leash not more than six feet long, except when the dog is confined in a
fenced-in area or pen.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
[Added 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-11]
14
SNAKE
Any limbless reptile having a scaly body, whether poisonous or not.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC
Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases and inquiries of animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
Any animal or animals that constitute a physical threat to human beings or other animals.
ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species of
domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership, corporation
or government agency.
§ 144-2 Permit for commercial animal establishments and animals shelters.
A. No person, partnership or corporation shall operate a commercial animal establishment or
animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this chapter.
B. The City shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall include
requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this
chapter and other applicable laws. The City may amend such regulations from time to time
as is deemed desirable for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.
C. Upon showing by an applicant for a permit that he is willing and able to comply with the
regulations promulgated by the City, a permit shall be issued upon payment of the
applicable fee.
D. The permit period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Renewal applications for
permits shall be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after April 1. Application for a
permit to establish a new commercial animal establishment under the provisions of this
chapter may be made at any time.
E. If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new owner may
have the current permit transferred to his name upon payment of a transfer fee of $25 ;
provided, however, that the new owner must comply with Subsection C of this section.
F. Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee after inspection by the
proper authority:
(1) For each kennel authorized to house four dogs or fewer: $50.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(2) For each kennel authorized to house 10 dogs or fewer: $75.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(3) For each kennel authorized to house more than 10 dogs: $100.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(4) For each zoological park: $100.
(5) For each circus: $125.
(6) For each performing animal exhibition: $50.
(7) For each grooming shop: $50.
G. Every facility at a different address regulated by this chapter shall be considered a separate
enterprise and requires an individual permit.
15
H. Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility covered in this chapter or failure to
obtain said license by April 1 of each year shall result in a fine of up to $200.
I. Any person or facility which has a change in the category under which a permit was issued
shall be subject to reclassification, and appropriate adjustment of the permit fee shall be
made.
J. No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, clinic, animal shelter or government
operated facility.
§ 144-3 License and permit issuance.
A. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the City or designated
agents or any special police officer appointed under MGL c. 147 § 10 (c. 147, § 10, since
repealed), or the inspector of animals appointed under MGL c. 129, §§ 15 and 16, be
permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where animals are kept at any time, and, if
permission for such inspections is refused, the agent shall seek a search warrant to enter
and inspect the property.
B. If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the City may
notify the licensing authority who may refuse to issue, suspend or revoke a permit or
license.
C. Any person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals may not be issued a permit or
license to operate a commercial animal establishment for a period of five years.
D. Any person having been denied a license or permit may reapply after conditions have been
corrected upon which denial was based. Each reapplication shall be accompanied by a fee
of $25
E. Any person whose permit or license is revoked shall, within ten days thereafter, be
responsible for the placement of humane disposal of all animals, kept or harbored, and no
part of the permit or license fee shall be refunded. Failure to place or humanely dispose of
any animal kept or harbored shall result in a fine of up to $200.00
§ 144-4 Restraint.
A. All dogs shall be kept under restraint, as defined in this chapter.
B. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals to prevent them from
becoming a public nuisance.
C. Every female dog in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a
manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another animal except for
planned breeding.
D. Every vicious animal, as determined by the City after a hearing, shall be confined by the
owner within a building or secure enclosure and shall be securely muzzled or caged
whenever off the premises of its owner.
E. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals. The fine for any
animal that barks, whines, howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area shall be:
first offense $25; second offense $50; third and subsequent offenses $100.
[Added 6-20-2000 by Ord. No. 00-50]
§ 144-5 Impoundment; citations.
16
A. Unrestrained dogs and nuisance animals shall be taken by the animal control officers,
police, humane officers or board of health officials and impounded or quarantined in an
animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner.
B. Impounded or quarantined dogs shall be kept for not fewer than 7 days or any lesser
minimum period permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the commonwealth
unless claimed by the owner within that period.
C. If, by a license tag or other means, the owner of an impounded animal can be identified, the
animal control officer shall return the animal to the owner and issue a citation or impound
the dog and immediately notify the owner by telephone or mail.
D. An owner reclaiming an impounded or quarantined dog shall pay an administrative fee of
$40, plus $15 for each day the animal has been impounded.
E. Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within 7 days, or any lesser minimum period
permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the commonwealth, shall become the
property of the local government authority and shall be placed for adoption in a suitable
home or humanely euthanized. If a licensed veterinarian states in writing that the animal is
in significant pain and has no reasonable chance of recovering or having a good quality of
life, the animal may be euthanized at any time. The City shall not be liable for any
disposition of animals in accordance with this Section.
F. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and board of health officials of the
City shall be empowered to issue citations to the owners of animals for violations of this
chapter and to otherwise enforce this chapter.
G. If a citation is issued, a penalty of $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second and
subsequent offenses within the licensing period must be paid within 21 days in full
satisfaction of the assessed penalty. In the event that such penalty is not paid within the
time period prescribed, a criminal warrant shall be initiated before a magistrate, and, upon
conviction of a violation of this chapter, the owner shall be punished as provided in § 144-7.
H. The City shall review automatically all licenses issued to animal owners against whom three
or more violations of this chapter have been assessed in a twelve-month period.
I An Animal control Center or veterinarian may, in its sole discretion, administer veterinary
care to sick or injured animals impounded under this Chapter. If the Owner of the animal can be
identified, the Owner shall be responsible for the payment of such veterinary expenses.
I§ 144-6 Enforcement.
A. . It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with a humane officer, animal control officer
or other person(s) designated by the City to enforce this chapter in the performance of their
duties.
B. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers, Board of Health officials or their
designee, including, but not limited to, a compliance officer of the City shall be empowered
to issue citations to the Owners of animals for violations of this chapter and to otherwise
enforce this chapter.
§ 144-7 Violations and penalties.
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter:
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less
than $10 and not more than $300.
B. If any violation is continuing, each day's violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
17
C. Any person found in violation of any part of this chapter by the Board of Health or a court
shall have his/her permit to own, keep, harbor or have custody of animals revoked and no
new permit will be issued.
§ 144-8 Animal care.
The minimum standards of animal care must meet all requirements of state and federal laws.
§ 144-9 Keeping of wild animals.
The keeping of wild animals must meet all requirements of state and federal laws and fish and
wildlife laws.
§ 144-10 Assignment of duties of Board of Health Commissioners.
The Mayor may designate the Board of Health Commissioners or their appointees as the authority
to fulfill such responsibilities of the City as he deems proper which are set out in this chapter.
Notice of such designation shall be filed with the City Clerk no less than 15 days before the
effective date of any such designation or appointment.
§ 144-11 Keeping swine.
No swine shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City, except for the purpose of
immediate slaughtering..
§ 144-12 Keeping fowl.
No fowl shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City except where allowed by rules and
regulations promulgated by the Board of Health.
§ 144-13 Animals at large or depasturing in streets.
No person shall permit any sheep, goat, swine, mule, ass, horse or meat cattle belonging to him or
under his control to go at large or depasture in any street, lane or alley or on any common in the
City.
§ 144-14 Animals on sidewalks.
No person shall permit any goat, sheep, swine, horse, mule, ox or cow under his care to go upon
any sidewalk in the City, except for the purpose of crossing such sidewalk to go to or from some
adjourning enclosure.
§ 144-15 Grazing animals in streets.
No person shall permit any horse, cow, swine or goat or other grazing animal to go at large in any
street.
§ 144-16 Protection of trees, lampposts and hydrants.
No person shall tie a horse or other animal to a tree, lamppost or hydrant which is on City property.
§ 144-17 through § 144-19. (Reserved)
§ 144-20 Licensing of dogs.
18
A. Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over three months of
age within this City must obtain a license as provided in this chapter.
B. Application for licenses shall be made to the licensing authority, which shall include the
name and address of the applicant, a description of the animal, proof of rabies vaccination
or proof of exception and the appropriate fee.
C. If not revoked, licenses for the keeping of dogs shall be for a period of one year. The
licensing period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Reapplication for a license
may be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after April 1.
D. Application for a license must be made within 30 days after obtaining a dog over three
months of age. This requirement will not apply to a nonresident keeping a dog within the
City for less than 60 days.
E. License fees shall not be required for service animals or governmental police dogs.
Application shall be made, however, to the licensing authority, and tags issued by the
authority must be worn.
[Amended 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-12]
F. Upon acceptance of the application and license fee, the licensing authority shall issue a
durable tag or identification collar stamped with an identifying number and year of issuance.
Tags should be designed so that they may be conveniently fastened or riveted to the
animal's collar or harness.
G. Dogs must wear identification tags at all times.
H. The licensing authority shall maintain records of the identifying numbers of all tags issued
and shall make this record available to the public.
I. Failure to obtain license.
[Amended 2-17-2009 by Ord. No. 09-72; 5-4-2010 by Ord. No. 10-16]
(1) Persons who fail to obtain a license as required within the time period specified in this
chapter shall be fined $5 for each month or part of a month they are late in obtaining such
license, up to a maximum fine of $50 per dog.[1]
J. A license shall be issued after payment of the applicable fee:
(1) For each dog under the age of one (1) year old: $5
(2) For each unneutered male dog one year old or older: $25.
(3) For each neutered male dog one year old or older: $5.
(4) For each unspayed female dog one year old or older: $25.
(5) For each spayed female dog one year of older: $5.
K. A duplicate license may be obtained upon payment of a replacement fee of $2.
L. No person may use any license for any dog other than for the dog for which it was issued.
M. No person shall keep or control more than three dogs on a single premises or a single
structure.
N. All licensed dogs shall be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
O. All permitted sources of dogs, including shelters, rescue organizations, pet shops,
professional breeders and veterinarians, operating within the City of Chicopee shall notify the
Licensing Authority upon transfer of ownership of any dog. The City Clerk may authorize these
19
permitted sources to register dogs and remit the fees to the City Clerk’s office within five days
thereafter.
§ 144-21 Animal waste.
A. The owner of every dog shall be responsible for the removal of any fecal matter deposited
by the owner's animal(s) on his or her property, public walks, recreation areas or private
property. "Owner" includes person(s) who possess or control the dog.
B. The owner or person(s) who possess or control the dog when appearing with the dog on
any public walk, street, recreation area or private property shall possess the means of
removal of any fecal matter left by such dog.
C. For purposes of this regulation, the means of removal shall include any tool, implement or
other device carried for the purpose of picking up and containing such fecal matter. Disposal
shall be accomplished by transporting such fecal matter to a place suitable and regularly
reserved for the disposal of human fecal matter, specifically reserved for disposal of dog
fecal matter or otherwise designated as appropriate by the Director of Public Health.
D. Any person who violates this section shall be punished by a fine of $50 for the first offense,
$100 for a second offense and $300 for any third or subsequent violation..
§ 144-22 Sterilization of dogs released for adoption.
No unclaimed dog shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without written
agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such animal will be sterilized and a deposit of at
least $35 must be paid at the time of adoption, $25 to be refunded after proof of sterilization.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the Board of Health of their designee that a
dog owned or kept in the City is a nuisance or dangerous dog. To consider declaring a dog
a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog, an Animal Control officer of the City may initial a
special hearing before the Board of Health to consider any evidence collected and take
charge of and impound the animal. The Animal Control Center shall notify the Owner of the
dog by certified letter, or Sheriff’s Department delivery of such special hearing and the
Owner may attend and have an opportunity to be heard. Special hearings under this
Section shall be public meetings under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At this special hearing, the Board of Health will determine whether to declare such dog a
Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, based upon the facts presented. If the dog is declared a
Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, the City Clerk shall notify the abutter(s) next door and
across the street by regular mail and in the classified section of the local newspaper of such
findings at the Owner’s sole expense.
No dog shall be declared a Nuisance or Dangerous Dog:
(4) Solely based upon growling or barking;
(5) Based upon the breed of the dog;
20
(6) If the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog’s reaction was not
grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances:
(e) The dog was protecting or defending itself, its offspring, another domestic animal
or a person from assault or attack
(f) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was committing a crime
upon the person or property of the Owner of the dog.
(g) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was engaging in teasing,
tormenting, battering, assaulting, injuring or otherwise provoking the dog.
(h) At the time of the attack or threat, the person or animal that was attacked or
threatened by the dog had breached an enclosure or structure in which the dog
was kept apart from the public and such person was not authorized by the Owner
of the premises to be within such enclosure including but not limited to a gated,
fenced-in area if the gate was closed, whether locked or unlocked; provided
however that if a person is under the age of seven, it shall be a rebuttable
presumption that such person was not committing a crime, provoking the dog or
trespassing.
Dogs declared to be Nuisance or Dangerous dogs
If the Board of Health for the City of Chicopee deems a dog to be a Nuisance Dog or
Dangerous Dog, the Board of Health may order one or more of the following:
(j) That the dog be humanely restrained.
(k) That the dog be confined to the premises of the Owner of the Dog; provided,
however, that “confined” shall mean securely confined indoors or confined
outdoors in a securely enclosed and locked pen or dog run upon the premises of
the Owner.
(l) That, whenever, the dog is removed from the premises of the Owner, the dog
shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other
tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred pounded and
not exceeding three feet in length.
(m)That the animal shall be surgically sterilized and microchipped with the microchip
registered to the City, with all costs associated with these services to be borne by
the Owner.
(n) That the Owner construct, within two weeks form the date of decision a Secure
Enclosure to house the dog when it is in the Owner’s yard. The Board of Health
may order that, during construction period, the dog be publicly impounded at an
animal shelter or a private veterinary hospital until the Secure Enclosure is
constructed. If the Owner chooses not to build a Secure Enclosure in accordance
with the Board’s order or of the dog is found on a property not owned or controlled
by the Owner or not restrained in the Secure Enclosure, an order that the dog be
euthanized may be issued by the Board of Health. The effectiveness of the
Secure Enclosure shall be subject to periodic inspections by an Animal Control
officer, as deemed necessary. The fee for said inspection shall be $75. If the
Owner is found violating the Secure Enclosure requirement, immediate public
impoundment of the dog shall be done by the Animal Control Center during the
21
time the violation continues to exist, and the Owner shall bear all cost(s) for such
public impoundment. The fine for such violation shall be $200 per day.
(o) That ownership of the dog may not be transferred unless the transfer of
ownership is to an adult residing within the same residence and said dog shall
remain housed solely at the residence.
(p) That, if the Owner of the dog fails to appear at a hearing in front of the Board of
Health and the dog is declared a dangerous dog, the dog shall be impounded
and/or euthanized; and/or
(q) That the dog be humanely euthanized, immediately, or summarily upon the
Owner’s failure to comply with conditions imposed by the Board of Health.
(r) Ban the dog from the City of Chicopee.
With regard to Dangerous Dogs and Nuisance Dogs, if there are no additional instances of
the dangerous of nuisance behavior within a thirty-six month period from the date of
designation, the dog shall be removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs and/or Nuisance
Dogs. The dog may, but is not required to be, removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs
and/or Nuisance Dogs prior to the expiration of the thirty-six month period if the Owner of
the dog demonstrates to the Board of Health at a special hearing that changes in
circumstances or measures taken by the Owner, such as training, have mitigated the risk to
the public safety.
Any and all costs for the impounding a Dangerous will be borne by the Owner unless
determined otherwise by the Board of Health or court of final appeal. An Owner reclaiming
a Dangerous or Nuisance Dog shall pay an administrative fee of $40, plus following costs,
where applicable:
(8) A boarding fee of $22.00 per dog, per day
(9) All outstanding fines, except for any fine for which a timely appeal is pending.
(10) All veterinary charges, drug and other medical expenses;
(11) The cost of sterilization
(12) The cost of rabies vaccinations
(13) The cost of license and registration; and
(14) The cost of microchip implementation and registration.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
A. A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any dog with a
propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the
safety of human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which attacks a human being or a
domestic animal on two or more occasions without provocation.
B. There shall be a total ban of dangerous and vicious dogs from anywhere within the City,
except that a dangerous and vicious dog which has been owned, kept and properly
registered within the City limits prior to November 1, 1998, by a resident may be maintained
on the private property owned or controlled by said resident owners. While on said private
property of its owner the dangerous or vicious dog must be restrained in a secure area so
that the dangerous or vicious dog cannot gain access to public areas. Restraint of a
dangerous or vicious dog in a secure area shall mean that the dangerous or vicious dog
shall be kept exclusively upon the owner's own premises in an enclosed and locked pen
22
with a top and sides at least six feet in height. The dangerous or vicious dog shall not be
enclosed in such a manner that it may go or reach beyond the property line.
C. An owner may transport a dangerous or vicious dog within the City limits for medical or
veterinary care, provided that said animal is properly restrained by being both muzzled and
leashed, with the leash not to exceed a length of six feet.
D. The owner of any dangerous or vicious dog, if said animal is found on property not owned or
controlled by its owner or not restrained in a secure area per Subsection B of this section,
shall be subject to a fine of $250, and said animal shall be forever banned from within the
limits of the City of Chicopee.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
E. Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs found within the City of Chicopee and not properly
registered shall be subject to a fine of $50, and said animal shall be forever banned from
within the limits of the City.
F. Each day there exists violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute and be
punishable as a separate offense.
G. Any dog for which the dog officer of the City or county or the director of health has verified
report of having attacked or bitten any person shall be considered a dangerous or vicious
dog. A copy of any such report shall be forwarded to the City Clerk for filing and such dog
shall not be reregistered in the City unless the owner is in full compliance with this chapter.
H. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall not be a defense to an order of
disposal of a vicious dog pursuant to MGL c. 140, § 157.
I. All notice and hearing procedures will be carried out in conformance with MGL c. 140,
§ 157.
§ 144-24 Dogs biting or attacking persons or other animals.
A. Notice to owner. Any person, after receiving written notice that the dog owned or controlled
by him has attacked and/or bitten or caused injury or otherwise endangered the safety of
any person(s) or domestic animal(s) within the City in such a manner as to be deemed a
menace, nuisance and a threat by the Board of Health, and after receiving a subsequent
written notice of a repetition or continuance of such act or acts, shall not be permitted to
keep such dog within the City limits. In each instance, such written notice(s) shall be
reasonably definite and informative to the owner or person controlling the dog(s) as to the
person, time, place and manner of the incident or disturbance to have occurred.
B. Penalty. Any owner or person in control of a dog who fails to comply with the provisions of
the above Subsection A shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50. However, the
Board of Health before which the complaints are heard shall have the authority to waive
such fines after being satisfied that the dog license required and obtained from the City
Clerk has been attached to the collar of the dog, and that the dog complained of has not
violated Subsection A or any action(s) described in such subsection.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-25 Dogs on school premises.
A. The owner or keeper of any dog shall not allow his dog to be upon any school grounds
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any day that such schools are in session.
23
B. Any owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be
punished by a fine of not more than $100.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-26 Performing animal exhibitions.
The provisions of §§ 144-23 and 144-24 shall not apply to so-called "dangerous and vicious dogs"
or so-called "pit bulls" when said dogs are part of a performing dog show, circus or animal
exhibition that meets all of the requirements of state and federal laws regarding such performances
or exhibitions.
§ 144-27through § 144-29. (Reserved)
§ 144-30 Dead animals; responsibility for unrestrained animals.
A. The responsibility for the removal of any dead animal shall be with the Board of Health,
unless otherwise provided by law.
B. Any live animal whose restraint or removal is not herein provided for shall be the
responsibility of the Board of Health.
Councilor Laflamme motion to approve with corrections – Councilor Tillotson 2nd the motion – motion
passed
Committee vote 4 – 0 favorable.
ITEM #2
Montgomery Street – North bound lane in front of 508 Montgomery Street beginning at a point at the
southern curb that forms the existing driveway opening on the east side of the road and ending at a point
approximately 18 feet in a northerly direction from that point – DO NOT BLOCK THE BOX
Councilor McLellan motion to approve – Councilor Tillotson 2nd the motion – motion passed
Committee vote 4 – 0 favorable.
ITEM #3
Dale Street – At the intersection of Dale Street and Montgomery Street – easterly side – ISOLATED STOP
SIGN
Motion to approve – motion passed
Committee vote 4 – 0 favorable.
ITEM #4
Section 260-61, Buses & School Buses; Schedule II: Bus Stops – ID: 6355 Front/Grove
24
motion to approve - motion passed.
Committee vote 4 – 0 favorable.
ITEM #5
Minutes – August 24, 2015 Motion made to approve. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.
25
Agenda
Ordinance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 @ 6:30 PM
ITEM #1 Delete in its entirety Chapter 144 Dogs and other Animals
And insert in place thereof
Chapter 144 Dogs and Other Animals
144-1 Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:
ANIMAL
Any live, vertebrate or nonvertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding Homo
sapiens.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The person or persons designated to enforce this chapter.
ANIMAL EXHIBITION
Any spectacle, display, act or event, other than circuses, in which animals are used.
ANIMAL SHELTER
Any facility operated by a humane society, a county or municipal agency or its
authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the
authority of this chapter or any law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CIRCUS
A commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.
COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT
Any pet shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal
exhibition or kennel.
DANGEROUS DOG
A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any dog with
a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger
the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which attacks a human being
or a domestic animal on two or more occasions without provocation.
GUARD DOGS
Dogs which meet the provisions of MGL c. 129, § 39B.
HUMANE OFFICER
Any person designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a municipal government
or a humane society as a law enforcement officer who is qualified to perform such duties
under MGL c. 147, § 10.
KENNEL
Any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of
boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee or selling dogs or engages
in training dogs for guard or sentry purposes or every pack or collection of more than
three dogs three months old or over owned or kept on a single premises, irrespective of
the purpose for which they are maintained.
LICENSING AUTHORITY
The City Clerk, as provided by the General Laws of the commonwealth.
OWNER
Any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping or harboring one or more
animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for 48 hours.
PET
Any nonfarm animal kept for pleasure.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any animal which:
A.
Molests passersby or passing vehicles.
B.
Attacks other animals.
C.
Trespasses on school grounds except for a school mascot or service animal.
D.
Is at large in violation of this chapter.
E.
Damages private or public property.
F.
Barks, whines or howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of an area.
G.
Bites or attacks any persons.
RESTRAINT
Dogs must be on a leash not more than six feet long, except when the dog is confined in a
fenced-in area or pen.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with
disabilities.
[Added 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-11]
SNAKE
Any limbless reptile having a scaly body, whether poisonous or not.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL OR CLINIC
Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases and inquiries of animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
Any animal or animals that constitute a physical threat to human beings or other animals.
ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Any facility, other than a pet shop or kennel, displaying or exhibiting one or more species
of domesticated or nondomesticated animals, operated by a person, partnership,
corporation or government agency.
§ 144-2 Permit for commercial animal establishments and animals shelters.
A. No person, partnership or corporation shall operate a commercial animal
establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance
with this chapter.
B. The City shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall
include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the
provisions of this chapter and other applicable laws. The City may amend such
regulations from time to time as is deemed desirable for public health and welfare
and for the protection of animals.
C. Upon showing by an applicant for a permit that he is willing and able to comply
with the regulations promulgated by the City, a permit shall be issued upon
payment of the applicable fee.
D. The permit period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Renewal
applications for permits shall be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after
April 1. Application for a permit to establish a new commercial animal
establishment under the provisions of this chapter may be made at any time.
E. If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, the new
owner may have the current permit transferred to his name upon payment of a
transfer fee of $25 ; provided, however, that the new owner must comply with
Subsection C of this section.
F. Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee after
inspection by the proper authority:
(1) For each kennel authorized to house four dogs or fewer: $50.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(2) For each kennel authorized to house 10 dogs or fewer: $75.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(3) For each kennel authorized to house more than 10 dogs: $100.
[Amended 11-21-2000 by Ord. No. 00-83E]
(4) For each zoological park: $100.
(5) For each circus: $125.
(6) For each performing animal exhibition: $50.
(7) For each grooming shop: $50.
G. Every facility at a different address regulated by this chapter shall be considered a
separate enterprise and requires an individual permit.
H. Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility covered in this chapter or
failure to obtain said license by April 1 of each year shall result in a fine of up to
$200.
I. Any person or facility which has a change in the category under which a permit
was issued shall be subject to reclassification, and appropriate adjustment of the
permit fee shall be made.
J. No fee may be required of any veterinary hospital, clinic, animal shelter or
government operated facility.
§ 144-3 License and permit issuance.
A. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the City or
designated agents or any special police officer appointed under MGL c. 147 § 10
(c. 147, § 10, since repealed), or the inspector of animals appointed under MGL c.
129, §§ 15 and 16, be permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where
animals are kept at any time, and, if permission for such inspections is refused,
the agent shall seek a search warrant to enter and inspect the property.
B. If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the
City may notify the licensing authority who may refuse to issue, suspend or
revoke a permit or license.
C. Any person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals may not be issued a
permit or license to operate a commercial animal establishment for a period of
five years.
D. Any person having been denied a license or permit may reapply after conditions
have been corrected upon which denial was based. Each reapplication shall be
accompanied by a fee of $25
E. Any person whose permit or license is revoked shall, within ten days thereafter,
be responsible for the placement of humane disposal of all animals, kept or
harbored, and no part of the permit or license fee shall be refunded. Failure to
place or humanely dispose of any animal kept or harbored shall result in a fine of
up to $200.00
§ 144-4 Restraint.
A. All dogs shall be kept under restraint, as defined in this chapter.
B. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals to prevent
them from becoming a public nuisance.
C. Every female dog in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in
such a manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with another animal
except for planned breeding.
D. Every vicious animal, as determined by the City after a hearing, shall be confined
by the owner within a building or secure enclosure and shall be securely muzzled
or caged whenever off the premises of its owner.
E. Every owner shall exercise proper care and control of his/her animals. The fine
for any animal that barks, whines, howls and disturbs the peace and tranquility of
an area shall be: first offense $25; second offense $50; third and subsequent
offenses $100.
[Added 6-20-2000 by Ord. No. 00-50]
§ 144-5 Impoundment; citations.
A. Unrestrained dogs and nuisance animals shall be taken by the animal control
officers, police, humane officers or board of health officials and impounded or
quarantined in an animal shelter and there confined in a humane manner.
B. Impounded or quarantined dogs shall be kept for not fewer than 7 days or any
lesser minimum period permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the
commonwealth unless claimed by the owner within that period.
C. If, by a license tag or other means, the owner of an impounded animal can be
identified, the animal control officer shall return the animal to the owner and issue
a citation or impound the dog and immediately notify the owner by telephone or
mail.
D. An owner reclaiming an impounded or quarantined dog shall pay an
administrative fee of $40, plus $15 for each day the animal has been impounded.
E. Any animal not reclaimed by its owner within 7 days, or any lesser minimum
period permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws of the commonwealth, shall
become the property of the local government authority and shall be placed for
adoption in a suitable home or humanely euthanized. If a licensed veterinarian
states in writing that the animal is in significant pain and has no reasonable
chance of recovering or having a good quality of life, the animal may be
euthanized at any time. The City shall not be liable for any disposition of animals
in accordance with this Section.
F. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and board of health
officials of the City shall be empowered to issue citations to the owners of
animals for violations of this chapter and to otherwise enforce this chapter.
G. If a citation is issued, a penalty of $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second
and subsequent offenses within the licensing period must be paid within 21 days
in full satisfaction of the assessed penalty. In the event that such penalty is not
paid within the time period prescribed, a criminal warrant shall be initiated before
a magistrate, and, upon conviction of a violation of this chapter, the owner shall
be punished as provided in § 144-7.
H. The City shall review automatically all licenses issued to animal owners against
whom three or more violations of this chapter have been assessed in a twelve-
month period.
I. An Animal control Center or veterinarian may, in its sole discretion, administer
veterinary care to sick of injured animals impounded under this Chapter. If the
Owner of the animal can be identified, the Owner shall be responsible for the
payment of such veterinary expenses.
§ 144-6 Enforcement.
A. . It shall be a violation of this chapter to interfere with a humane officer, animal
control officer or other person(s) designated by the City to enforce this chapter in
the performance of their duties.
B. Animal control officers, humane officers, police officers and Board of Health
officials of the City shall be empowered to issue citations to the Owners of
animals for violations of this chapter and to otherwise enforce this chapter.
§ 144-7 Violations and penalties.
Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter:
A. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of
not less than $10 and not more than $300.
B. If any violation is continuing, each day's violation shall be deemed a separate
violation.
C. Any person found in violation of any part of this chapter by the Board of Health
or a court shall have his/her permit to own, keep, harbor or have custody of
animals revoked and no new permit will be issued.
§ 144-8 Animal care.
The minimum standards of animal care must meet all requirements of state and federal
laws.
§ 144-9 Keeping of wild animals.
The keeping of wild animals must meet all requirements of state and federal laws and fish
and wildlife laws.
§ 144-10 Assignment of duties of Board of Health Commissioners.
The Mayor may designate the Board of Health Commissioners or their appointees as the
authority to fulfill such responsibilities of the City as he deems proper which are set out
in this chapter. Notice of such designation shall be filed with the City Clerk no less than
15 days before the effective date of any such designation or appointment.
§ 144-11 Keeping swine.
No swine shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City, except for the purpose
of immediate slaughtering..
§ 144-12 Keeping fowl.
No fowl shall be kept or maintained within the limits of the City except where allowed by
zoning regulations.
§ 144-13 Animals at large or depasturing in streets.
No person shall permit any sheep, goat, swine, mule, ass, horse or meat cattle belonging
to him or under his control to go at large or depasture in any street, lane or alley or on any
common in the City.
§ 144-14 Animals on sidewalks.
No person shall permit any goat, sheep, swine, horse, mule, ox or cow under his care to
go upon any sidewalk in the City, except for the purpose of crossing such sidewalk to go
to or from some adjourning enclosure.
§ 144-15 Grazing animals in streets.
No person shall permit any horse, cow, swine or goat or other grazing animal to go at
large in any street.
§ 144-16 Protection of trees, lampposts and hydrants.
No person shall tie a horse or other animal to a tree, lamppost or hydrant which is on City
property.
§ 144-17 through § 144-19. (Reserved)
§ 144-20 Licensing of dogs.
A. Any person owning, keeping, harboring or having custody of any dog over three
months of age within this City must obtain a license as provided in this chapter.
B. Application for licenses shall be made to the licensing authority, which shall
include the name and address of the applicant, a description of the animal, proof
of rabies vaccination or proof of exception and the appropriate fee.
C. If not revoked, licenses for the keeping of dogs shall be for a period of one year.
The licensing period shall begin April 1 and shall run for one year. Reapplication
for a license may be made 30 days prior to and up to 30 days after April 1.
D. Application for a license must be made within 30 days after obtaining a dog over
three months of age. This requirement will not apply to a nonresident keeping a
dog within the City for less than 60 days.
E. License fees shall not be required for service animals or governmental police
dogs. Application shall be made, however, to the licensing authority, and tags
issued by the authority must be worn.
[Amended 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-12]
F. Upon acceptance of the application and license fee, the licensing authority shall
issue a durable tag or identification collar stamped with an identifying number
and year of issuance. Tags should be designed so that they may be conveniently
fastened or riveted to the animal's collar or harness.
G. Dogs must wear identification tags at all times.
H. The licensing authority shall maintain records of the identifying numbers of all
tags issued and shall make this record available to the public.
I. Failure to obtain license.
[Amended 2-17-2009 by Ord. No. 09-72; 5-4-2010 by Ord. No. 10-16]
(1) Persons who fail to obtain a license as required within the time period
specified in this chapter shall be fined $5 for each month or part of a month they
are late in obtaining such license, up to a maximum fine of $50 per dog.[1]
J. A license shall be issued after payment of the applicable fee:
(1) For each unneutered male dog: $25.
(2) For each neutered male dog: $5.
(3) For each unspayed female dog: $25.
(4) For each spayed female dog: $5.
K. A duplicate license may be obtained upon payment of a replacement fee of $2.
L. No person may use any license for any dog other than for the dog for which it was
issued.
M. No person shall keep or control more than three dogs on a single premises.
N. All licensed dogs shall be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
O. All permitted sources of dogs, including shelters, rescue organizations, pet shops,
professional breeders and veterinarians, operating within the City of Chicopee
shall notify the Licensing Authority upon transfer of ownership of any dog. The
City Clerk may authorize these permitted sources to register dogs and remit the
fees to the City Clerk’s office within five days thereafter.
§ 144-21 Animal waste.
A. The owner of every dog shall be responsible for the removal of any fecal matter
deposited by the owner's animal(s) on his or her property, public walks, recreation
areas or private property. "Owner" includes person(s) who possess or control the
dog.
B. The owner or person(s) who possess or control the dog when appearing with the
dog on any public walk, street, recreation area or private property shall possess
the means of removal of any fecal matter left by such dog.
C. For purposes of this regulation, the means of removal shall include any tool,
implement or other device carried for the purpose of picking up and containing
such fecal matter. Disposal shall be accomplished by transporting such fecal
matter to a place suitable and regularly reserved for the disposal of human fecal
matter, specifically reserved for disposal of dog fecal matter or otherwise
designated as appropriate by the Director of Public Health.
D. Any person who violates this section shall be punished by a fine of $50 for the
first offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for any third or subsequent
violation..
§ 144-22 Sterilization of dogs released for adoption.
No unclaimed dog shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or
without written agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such animal will be
sterilized and a deposit of at least $35 must be paid at the time of adoption, $25 to
be refunded after proof of sterilization.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
Any person may file a complaint in writing to the Board of Health of their
designee that a dog owned or kept in the City is a nuisance or dangerous dog. To
consider declaring a dog a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog, an Animal Control
officer of the City may initial a special hearing before the Board of Health to
consider any evidence collected and take charge of and impound the animal. The
Animal Control Center shall notify the Owner of the dog by certified letter, or
Sheriff’s Department delivery of such special hearing and the Owner may attend
and have an opportunity to be heard. Special hearings under this Section shall be
public meetings under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. At this
special hearing, the Board of Health will determine whether to declare such dog a
Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, based upon the facts presented. If the dog is
declared a Nuisance Dog or Dangerous Dog, the City Clerk shall notify the
abutter(s) next door and across the street by regular mail and in the classified
section of the local newspaper of such findings at the Owner’s sole expense.
No dog shall be declared a Nuisance or Dangerous Dog:
(1) Solely based upon growling or barking;
(2) Based upon the breed of the dog;
(3) If the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog’s reaction
was not grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances:
(a) The dog was protecting or defending itself, its offspring, another domestic
animal or a person from assault or attack
(b) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was committing a
crime upon the person or property of the Owner of the dog.
(c) The person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was engaging in
teasing, tormenting, battering, assaulting, injuring or otherwise provoking the
dog.
(d) At the time of the attack or threat, the person or animal that was attacked or
threatened by the dog had breached an enclosure or structure in which the dog
was kept apart from the public and such person was not authorized by the
Owner of the premises to be within such enclosure including but not limited to
a gated, fenced-in area if the gate was closed, whether locked or unlocked;
provided however that if a person is under the age of seven, it shall be a
rebuttable presumption that such person was not committing a crime,
provoking the dog or trespassing.
Dogs declared to be Nuisance or Dangerous dogs
If the Board of Health for the City of Chicopee deems a dog to be a Nuisance Dog
or Dangerous Dog, the Board of Health may order one or more of the following:
(a) That the dog be humanely restrained.
(b) That the dog be confined to the premises of the Owner of the Dog; provided,
however, that “confined” shall mean securely confined indoors or confined
outdoors in a securely enclosed and locked pen or dog run upon the premises
of the Owner.
(c) That, whenever, the dog is removed from the premises of the Owner, the dog
shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other
tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of three hundred pounded
and not exceeding three feet in length.
(d) That the animal shall be surgically sterilized and microchipped with the
microchip registered to the City, with all costs associated with these services
to be borne by the Owner.
(e) That the Owner construct, within two weeks form the date of decision a
Secure Enclosure to house the dog when it is in the Owner’s yard. The Board
of Health may order that, during construction period, the dog be publicly
impounded at an animal shelter or a private veterinary hospital until the
Secure Enclosure is constructed. If the Owner chooses not to build a Secure
Enclosure in accordance with the Board’s order or of the dog is found on a
property not owned or controlled by the Owner or not restrained in the Secure
Enclosure, an order that the dog be euthanized may be issued by the Board of
Health. The effectiveness of the Secure Enclosure shall be subject to periodic
inspections by an Animal Control officer, as deemed necessary. The fee for
said inspection shall be $75. If the Owner is found violating the Secure
Enclosure requirement, immediate public impoundment of the dog shall be
done by the Animal Control Center during the time the violation continues to
exist, and the Owner shall bear all cost(s) for such public impoundment. The
fine for such violation shall be $200 per day.
(f) That ownership of the dog may not be transferred unless the transfer of
ownership is to an adult residing within the same residence and said dog shall
remain housed solely at the residence.
(g) That, if the Owner of the dog fails to appear at a hearing in front of the Board
of Health and the dog is declared a dangerous dog, the dog shall be
impounded and/or euthanized; and/or
(h) That the dog be humanely euthanized, immediately, or summarily upon the
Owner’s failure to comply with conditions imposed by the Board of Health.
(i) Ban the dog from the City of Chicopee.
With regard to Dangerous Dogs and Nuisance Dogs, if there are no additional instances
of the dangerous of nuisance behavior within a thirty-six month period from the date of
designation, the dog shall be removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs and/or Nuisance
Dogs. The dog may, but is not required to be, removed from the list of Dangerous Dogs
and/or Nuisance Dogs prior to the expiration of the thirty-six month period if the Owner
of the dog demonstrates to the Board of Health at a special hearing that changes in
circumstances or measures taken by the Owner, such as training, have mitigated the risk
to the public safety.
Any and all costs for the impounding a Dangerous will be borne by the Owner unless
determined otherwise by the Board of Health or court of final appeal. An Owner
reclaiming a Dangerous or Nuisance Dog shall pay an administrative fee of $40, plus
following costs, where applicable:
(1) A boarding fee of $22.00 per dog, per day
(2) All outstanding fines, except for any fine for which a timely appeal is
pending.
(3) All veterinary charges, drug and other medical expenses;
(4) The cost of sterilization
(5) The cost of rabies vaccinations
(6) The cost of license and registration; and
(7) The cost of microchip implementation and registration.
§ 144-23 Dangerous and vicious dogs.
A. A "dangerous or vicious dog," as the term is used in this section, shall mean any
dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury or to
otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or any dog
which attacks a human being or a domestic animal on two or more occasions
without provocation.
B. There shall be a total ban of dangerous and vicious dogs from anywhere within
the City, except that a dangerous and vicious dog which has been owned, kept and
properly registered within the City limits prior to November 1, 1998, by a resident
may be maintained on the private property owned or controlled by said resident
owners. While on said private property of its owner the dangerous or vicious dog
must be restrained in a secure area so that the dangerous or vicious dog cannot
gain access to public areas. Restraint of a dangerous or vicious dog in a secure
area shall mean that the dangerous or vicious dog shall be kept exclusively upon
the owner's own premises in an enclosed and locked pen with a top and sides at
least six feet in height. The dangerous or vicious dog shall not be enclosed in such
a manner that it may go or reach beyond the property line.
C. An owner may transport a dangerous or vicious dog within the City limits for
medical or veterinary care, provided that said animal is properly restrained by
being both muzzled and leashed, with the leash not to exceed a length of six feet.
D. The owner of any dangerous or vicious dog, if said animal is found on property
not owned or controlled by its owner or not restrained in a secure area per
Subsection B of this section, shall be subject to a fine of $250, and said animal
shall be forever banned from within the limits of the City of Chicopee.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
E. Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs found within the City of Chicopee and not
properly registered shall be subject to a fine of $50, and said animal shall be
forever banned from within the limits of the City.
F. Each day there exists violation of any of the provisions of this section shall
constitute and be punishable as a separate offense.
G. Any dog for which the dog officer of the City or county or the director of health
has verified report of having attacked or bitten any person shall be considered a
dangerous or vicious dog. A copy of any such report shall be forwarded to the
City Clerk for filing and such dog shall not be reregistered in the City unless the
owner is in full compliance with this chapter.
H. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall not be a defense to an
order of disposal of a vicious dog pursuant to MGL c. 140, § 157.
I. All notice and hearing procedures will be carried out in conformance with MGL
c. 140, § 157.
§ 144-24 Dogs biting or attacking persons or other animals.
A. Notice to owner. Any person, after receiving written notice that the dog owned or
controlled by him has attacked and/or bitten or caused injury or otherwise
endangered the safety of any person(s) or domestic animal(s) within the City in
such a manner as to be deemed a menace, nuisance and a threat by the Board of
Health, and after receiving a subsequent written notice of a repetition or
continuance of such act or acts, shall not be permitted to keep such dog within the
City limits. In each instance, such written notice(s) shall be reasonably definite
and informative to the owner or person controlling the dog(s) as to the person,
time, place and manner of the incident or disturbance to have occurred.
B. Penalty. Any owner or person in control of a dog who fails to comply with the
provisions of the above Subsection A shall be punished by a fine of not more than
$50. However, the Board of Health before which the complaints are heard shall
have the authority to waive such fines after being satisfied that the dog license
required and obtained from the City Clerk has been attached to the collar of the
dog, and that the dog complained of has not violated Subsection A or any
action(s) described in such subsection.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-25 Dogs on school premises.
A. The owner or keeper of any dog shall not allow his dog to be upon any school
grounds between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any day that such schools
are in session.
B. Any owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with the provisions of this
section shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.
[Amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-18]
§ 144-26 Performing animal exhibitions.
The provisions of §§ 144-23 and 144-24 shall not apply to so-called "dangerous and
vicious dogs" or so-called "pit bulls" when said dogs are part of a performing dog show,
circus or animal exhibition that meets all of the requirements of state and federal laws
regarding such performances or exhibitions.
§ 144-27through § 144-29. (Reserved)
§ 144-30 Dead animals; responsibility for unrestrained animals.
A. The responsibility for the removal of any dead animal shall be with the Board of
Health, unless otherwise provided by law.
B. Any live animal whose restraint or removal is not herein provided for shall be the
responsibility of the Board of Health.
ITEM #2 Montgomery Street – North bound lane in front of 508 Montgomery Street
beginning at a point at the southern curb that forms the existing driveway opening
on the east side of the road and ending at a point approximately 18 feet in a
northerly direction from that point – DO NOT BLOCK THE BOX
ITEM #3 Dale Street – At the intersection of Dale Street and Montgomery Street – easterly
side – ISOLATED STOP SIGN
ITEM #4 Section 260-61, Buses & School Buses; Schedule II: Bus Stops – ID: 6355
Front/Grove
ITEM #5 Minutes – August 24, 2015
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