[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Southwick as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Dog licensing and kennel fees — See Ch. 1, Art. II.
Fines — See Ch. 1, Art. III.
[Adopted STM 9-30-1974 by Art. 9 as Ch. VII of the 1975 Bylaws; amended in its entirety STM 4-6-2005 by Art. 11]
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
The Town of Southwick may create bylaws and ordinances relating to dog and cat licensing and related companion animals and fees pursuant to M.G.L. c. 140, § 136 to § 174E, inclusive.
ADEQUATE SHELTER
Means a structure that is large enough for the animal to stand naturally, turn around and lay down inside of the structure without being exposed to the elements of weather. During cold weather a moveable flap shall be placed over the entrance to a dog shelter to preserve the dog's body heat.
ADOPTION
The delivery of a cat or dog to a person 18 years of age or older for the purpose of taking care of the dog or cat as a pet.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
An appointed officer authorized to enforce sections 136A to 174E, inclusive.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
AT LARGE
Any dog which is off the owner's or keeper's property and not under control of the owner or keeper, and any cat off the owner's or keeper's property and not under control of the owner or keeper.
ATTACK
Aggressive physical contact initiated by an animal.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
COMMISSIONER
The commissioner of agricultural resources.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
COMPANION ANIMAL or PET
Means any dog or cat, and shall also mean any other domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the household of the owner or person who cares for such other domesticated animal. "Pet" or "companion animal" shall not include a "farm animal" as defined in this section.
DANGEROUS DOG
A dog that either: (i) without justification, attacks a person or domestic animal causing physical injury or death; or (ii) behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury or death to a person or to a domestic or owned animal; or (iii) unprovoked, in an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury upon or kills a human being; or (iv) unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior twelve-month period has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise caused injury attacking a companion animal, pet or farm animal off the property of the owner of the dog; or (v) was previously determined to be an currently listed as a potentially dangerous dog which, after its owner or keeper has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior that caused it to be listed as a potentially dangerous dog, or is found to be in violation of orders placed upon it in a previous hearing; or (vi) that has been used for the purpose of dog fighting or a dog trained for dog fighting.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
An animal designated as domestic by regulations promulgated by the department of fish and game.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
EUTHANIZE
To take the life of an animal by the administration of barbiturates in a manner deemed acceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines on Euthanasia.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
FARM ANIMAL
As used in this article means any poultry, ungulate, species of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, equine, or other fur-bearing animals which are raised for commercial or subsistence purposes.
HEARING AUTHORITY
The selectmen of a town, mayor of a city, the officer in charge of the animal commission, the chief or commissioner of a police department, the chief or commissioner's designee or the person charged with the responsibility of handling dog complaints in a town or city.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
KEEPER
A person, business, corporation, entity or society, other than the owner, having possession of a dog.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
KENNEL
Means one pack or collection of dogs on a single premises, whether maintained for breeding, boarding, sale, training, hunting or other purposes, and including any shop where dogs are on sale, and also including every pack or collection of five or more dogs three months of age or older, owned or kept by a person on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.
KENNEL, COMMERCIAL
Means any premises maintained for the boarding or breeding or in-residence training of dogs, or day care, or where 10 or more dogs three months of age or older are kept.
KENNEL, RESIDENTIAL
Means any premises where an owner or keeper maintains five up to and including nine dogs three months of age or older.
LICENSE PERIOD
The period of time for which a municipal licensing authority prescribes the validity of a dog license, including the date of issuance of the license through the date on which the license expires, inclusive.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
LICENSING AUTHORITY
The police commissioner of the city of Boston and the clerk of any other municipality.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
LIVESTOCK or FOWL
A fowl or other animal kept or propagated by the owner for food or as a means of livelihood, deer, elk, cottontail rabbit, northern hare, pheasant, quail, partridge and other birds and quadrupeds determined by the department of fisheries, wildlife and environmental law enforcement to be wild and kept by, or under a permit from, the department in proper houses or suitable enclosed yards; provided, however, that "livestock or fowl" shall not include a dog, cat or other pet.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
NUISANCE DOG
A dog that: (i) by excessive barking or other disturbance, is a source of annoyance to a sick person residing in the vicinity; or (ii) by excessive barking, causing damage or other interference, a reasonable person would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment; or (iii) has threatened or attacked livestock, a domestic animal or a person, but such threat or attack was not a grossly disproportionate reaction under all the circumstances.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
OWNER
Means any person possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having control or custody of an animal. If a person under the age of 18 owns the animal, that person's custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be responsible for complying with all requirements of this bylaw.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG
As used in this article means:
A. 
Any dog which, unprovoked, chases or approaches a person in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks or any public or private property.
B. 
Any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury, or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or companion animal, pet or farm animal.
C. 
Any dog which, unprovoked, has killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise caused injury attacking a companion animal, pet or farm animal off the property of the owner of the dog.
D. 
Any dog which, unprovoked, bites a person causing a less than severe injury.
SEVERE INJURY
Means any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or corrective or cosmetic surgery.
Any person who at the commencement of a license period (April 1st through March 31st) is, or who during any license period becomes, the owner or keeper of a dog six months old or over, shall cause the dog to be licensed within 30 days. The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall issue dog licenses and tags on a form prescribed and furnished by the Town. Subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, the Town may provide licensing to be conducted through the mail.
The license record shall include the name, address, phone number and date of birth of the owner or keeper of the dog, and the name, license number, breed, color, age, sex, and the rabies expiration date of each dog and indicate whether the dog has been spayed or neutered. The license tag shall include the license number, the name of the Town and the year of issue.
The owner or keeper shall cause each dog to wear around its neck or body a collar or harness to which he shall securely attach the license tags. In the event that any tag is lost, defaced or destroyed, a substitute tag shall be obtained by the owner or keeper from the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer at the cost of $1. Such monies shall be transmitted to the Town of Southwick's General Fund in the same manner as license fees. The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall not issue a license for any dog unless the owner or keeper provides the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer with a veterinarian's certificate verifying that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies.
The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall not grant such licenses for any dog unless the owner thereof provides either a veterinarian's certificate that such dog has been vaccinated in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 145B, or has been certified from such provision as provided in M.G.L. c. 140 et seq., or has been certified exempt from such provision as hereinafter provided, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian that a certificate was issued.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
The following is a list of licensing fees for dogs to be licensed in the Town of Southwick:
Male dog
$25.00
Female dog
$25.00
Spayed female dog
$10.00
Neutered male dog
$10.00
Exceptions:
If the owner or keeper of any dog has a written statement from a veterinarian indicating that because of age, infirmity or other physical condition spaying or neutering is deemed inadvisable and presents said written statement to the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer, the licensing fee shall be $10.
No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog specifically trained to lead or serve a blind, deaf or handicapped person upon presentation to the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer of a certificate of such training.
Late fee:
The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall collect a late fee of $15 for every dog license issued after the thirty-day period, as defined in § 69-3.
No license fee or part thereof shall be refunded because of subsequent death, loss, spaying, or removal from the Commonwealth or other disposal, of the dog.
Any owner or keeper of a dog who moves into the Town of Southwick and has a valid dog license for his/her dog from another city or town in the Commonwealth shall, within 30 days, obtain a dog license for a fee of $1 upon producing evidence of the previous license.
Any person who violates the provisions of § 69-3 or § 69-4 shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $50, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
No fee shall be charged for a license issued under this section for a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act[1] or regulations promulgated thereunder. No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over in a city or town that accepts this provision. No license fee or portion thereof shall be refunded because of the subsequent death, loss, spaying or removal from the commonwealth or other disposal of the dog, nor shall a license fee or portion thereof paid by mistake be paid or recovered after it has been paid over to a city or town under section 147.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
The owner or keeper of a dog or cat in the Town of Southwick six months of age or older shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a licensed vaccine according to the manufacturer's directions and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Unvaccinated dogs and cats acquired or moved into the Commonwealth shall be vaccinated within 30 days after the acquisition or arrival into the Town of Southwick or upon reaching the age of six months, whichever last occurs. Such owner or keeper shall procure a veterinarian's certificate that such animal has been so vaccinated, setting forth the day of such vaccination and the duration of immunity, or a notarized letter from a veterinarian that a certificate was issued.
The veterinarian shall issue a tag with each certificate of vaccination. The tag shall be secured by the owner or keeper of such dog or cat to a collar or harness made of suitable material to be worn by the dog or cat; provided, however, the owner of a cat may choose not to affix a tag to his cat, but shall have the tag and certificate available for inspection upon demand by Animal Control Officers, Police Officers or other such authorized officials of the Town of Southwick.
Vaccinated animals, dog or cat, shall be revaccinated periodically in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by and promulgated by the Mass. Department of Public Health.
Any person who violates the provisions of § 69-5, shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $50, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
A. 
No person shall keep more than six cats being over the age of six months, at any single-family residence within the Town of Southwick. No person shall keep more than four dogs being over the age of six months located in any zone set forth in Chapter 185 of the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Southwick (except Agriculture and Conservation District AC). Owners or keepers of dogs located in an Agricultural and Conservation District AC Zone under the Zoning Bylaws may be keepers of more than four dogs only upon the issuance of a kennel license after a public hearing before the Board of Selectmen. Those persons who kept more than four dogs or six cats at there premises as of the date of the enactment of this bylaw may keep said animals in excess of the aforesaid limit, but said animals may not be replaced so as to exceed the four dogs and six cats limit.
B. 
Any person who violates the provisions of § 69-6 shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $50 for each day in violation of this section, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
Any person or business maintained for the boarding or breeding or day care or in-residence training of dogs shall obtain a kennel license. Any owner or keeper of five up to and including nine dogs three months of age or older, being maintained at a premises, shall secure a residential kennel license. The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall not issue a residential kennel license unless the owner or keeper provides the Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer with a veterinarian's certificate verifying that each dog three months of age or older is currently vaccinated against rabies.
Any owner or keeper of 10 or more dogs, three months of age or older, or of a premises maintained for the boarding or breeding or day care or in-residence training of dogs, shall obtain a commercial kennel license.
Issuance of a residential or commercial kennel license shall be contingent upon inspection and approval by the Animal Control Officer to ensure that basic standards of cleanliness and proper care and confinement of said dogs exist on the premises.
Such license shall be in a form prescribed by the Town Clerk. Such license shall be in lieu of any other license for any dog while kept at such kennel during any portion of the period for which such kennel license is issued. The holder of a license for a kennel shall cause each dog kept therein to wear a collar or harness of leather or other suitable material, to which shall be securely attached a tag upon which shall appear the number of such kennel license, the year of issue and the inscription "SOUTHWICK."
The fee for each license for a kennel shall be $50 for a residential kennel license and $150 for a commercial kennel license.
The name and address of the owner of each dog kept in any kennel, if other than the person maintaining the kennel, and a veterinarian's certificate verifying that each dog three months of age or older is currently vaccinated against rabies, shall be kept on file thereat and available for inspection by the Animal Control Officer or any authorized person.
The Town Clerk or Animal Control Officer shall, upon application, issue without charge a kennel license to any domestic charitable corporation, incorporated exclusively for the purpose of protecting animals from cruelty, neglect or abuse, and for the relief of suffering among animals. A veterinary hospital shall not be considered a kennel unless it contains an area for the selling, breeding or boarding of dogs for other than medical purposes, in which case it shall apply for a kennel license.
The license period for a kennel license shall be from April 1st to March 31st, inclusive.
For purposes of these bylaws, any business which is currently and legally operating prior to the adoption of these bylaws which would be considered a residential kennel or commercial kennel as defined herein shall not be considered an illegal use or in violation of the Town Zoning Code § 185-11 which requires a commercial kennel to be located within the Agriculture and Conservation District AC Zone. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any business which is legally and currently operating which would be considered a residential kennel or commercial kennel as defined herein shall be required to adhere to all the provisions pertinent to the operation of a residential or commercial kennel as set forth in these bylaws.
Any person who violates the provisions of § 69-7, shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $50 for each day in violation of this section, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
The Animal Control Officer or any agent authorized by the Town of Southwick may, at any time during normal business hours, inspect or cause to be inspected any kennel or property holding a kennel license, residential or commercial.
If, in the judgment of the Animal Control Officer or any agent authorized by the Town of Southwick, after inspection, determines in their judgment, the kennel is not being maintained in a sanitary and humane manner, or if records are not properly kept as required by law, the Selectmen may, by order, revoke or suspend, and in case of suspension may reinstate, such license.
Upon written complaint from the Animal Control Officer or a Southwick resident, filed with the Selectmen, setting forth that they are aggrieved, annoyed to an unreasonable extent, by one or more dogs at the kennel, because of the excessive barking or vicious disposition of said dogs or other conditions connected with such kennel constituting a public nuisance, the Selectmen, within seven days after the filing of such petition, shall give notice to all parties in interest of a public hearing to be held within 14 days after the date of such notice.
Within seven days after such public hearing said Board of Selectmen shall make an order either revoking or suspending such kennel license or otherwise regulating said kennel, or dismissing said petition.
The holder of such license aggrieved by any decision rendered by the Board of Selectmen may appeal such decision in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 137C.
Any person maintaining a kennel after the license has been so revoked, or while such license is so suspended, may be punished by a fine of $50, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund, for each day in violation of said revocation or suspension.
No person owning or keeping or otherwise responsible for a dog shall allow or permit said dog to annoy another person's reasonable right to peace or privacy by making loud and continuous noise, where such noise is plainly audible at a distance of 150 feet from the building, premises, vehicle or conveyance housing said dog, and such noise is continuous in excess of 15 minutes. The fact that such noise is plainly audible at said distance and continuous in excess of 15 minutes shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.
Any person who violates this provision shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and shall be liable for payment of the following fines: $30 for the second offense; $50 for the third offense; and $100 for the fourth offense and each subsequent offense. Said fine shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
Any veterinarian registered under the provisions of § 55 or 56A of Chapter 112 of the Massachusetts General Laws who renders emergency care or treatment to or disposes of a dog or cat that is injured on any way within the Town of Southwick, and brought to a veterinarian by the Animal Control Officer or Police personnel, shall receive payment from the owner of such dog or cat, if known, or if not known, from the dog fund of the Town of Southwick, in an amount not to exceed $250 for such care, treatment or disposal; provided, however, such emergency care, treatment or disposal shall be for the purpose of maintaining life, stabilizing the animal or alleviating suffering until the owner or keeper of such dog or cat is identified or for a period of 24 hours, whichever is sooner.
Any veterinarian who renders such emergency care or treatment to, or disposes of, such dog or cat shall notify the Animal Control Officer and upon notification, said Animal Control Officer shall assume control of such dog or cat.
A. 
Any person owning, keeping or being responsible for a dog shall not allow nor permit said dog to run at large on any of the streets or public places in the Town of Southwick or upon any private property, unless the owner or lawful occupant of such property grants permission therefor.
B. 
No dog shall be allowed or permitted in any public place or street within the Town of Southwick unless it is effectively restrained and controlled by a chain or other form of leash that is sufficient to hold the dog, or unless it is under the immediate and effective voice control of a handler, or unless it is within and confined to a motor vehicle.
C. 
In any prosecution hereunder the presence of such dog at large upon premises other than the premises of the owner or keeper of such dog shall be prima facie evidence that such knowledge and permission was not had.
D. 
The owner or keeper of a dog who has violated any of the provisions of this § 69-11 shall be punished by a written warning for the first offense, a fine of $75 for the second offense, a fine of $100 for the third offense and $200 for the fourth and each subsequent offense.
It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer, and any assistant Animal Control Officer appointed by the Board of Selectmen, to apprehend any dog/cat found running at large and to impound such dog/cat in the Southwick animal shelter or other boarding facility.
The Animal Control Officer or impounding officer shall keep a register and make a complete record of each impounding. The record shall contain the following information: breed, color, sex, of each dog or cat, whether or not the dog is licensed, the license number, if any; the name and address of owner, if known; the date and place of apprehension and the location where the dog or cat is being kept.
The owner of an impounded dog or cat, when known, shall be notified verbally or in writing of such impoundment or if the owner is unknown, written notice shall be posted with the Police Department.
Notice shall contain a description of the dog or cat, date and place of apprehension and location where the dog or cat is being kept.
The owner, or keeper or responsible person may reclaim the dog or cat so impounded upon payment of the license fee, if unpaid and proof of rabies vaccination in the form of a rabies vaccination certificate from a certified veterinarian, and the payment of impoundment and boarding fees and the cost relevant to such impoundment.
[Added ATM 5-17-2016 by Art. 22]
A. 
It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer, and any assistant Animal Control Officer appointed by the Select Board, to apprehend any livestock/farm animal found running at large and to inform the owner of said livestock to recapture and contain said animals.
B. 
The Animal Control Officer shall keep a register and make a complete record of each incidence. The record shall contain the following information: breed, color sex if known of each livestock/farm animal, number of each that is lose, the name and address of owner, if known; the date and place of each incident and the location where the livestock is being kept. The owner of any loose livestock when known shall be notified verbally or in writing of such incident or if the owner is unknown, written notice shall be posted with the Police Department.
C. 
The following schedule shall apply to a violation of this bylaw:[1]
First offense:
written warning
Second and each subsequent offense:
$10.00
[1]
Editor’s Note: See also § 1-16, Fines enumerated.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
A. 
An owner or keeper of a dog or cat reclaiming an impounded dog or cat shall pay into the Town General Fund an administrative fee of $30 plus $15 for each day the animal has been impounded. These charges are in addition to any fines levied under these bylaws.
B. 
Any dog or cat whose owner or keeper fails to claim said dog or cat within 10 days from the day of impounding shall be subject to the provisions set forth in M.G.L. c. 140, § 151A.
No person owning or having the care, custody or control of any dog or cat shall permit such dog or cat to soil or defile or commit any nuisance upon any sidewalk, street, thoroughfare, wetland, in or upon any public property or in or upon the property of persons other than the owner or persons having the care, custody or control of such dog or cat, unless said person picks up any such waste and disposes of same in a sanitary manner.
Any person found in violation of § 69-14 by the Animal Control Officer or Assistant Animal Control Officer shall be liable for payment of a fine of $25 for each offense, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
Any person owning, keeping or otherwise responsible for a companion animal or pet who confines that animal to his property by tethering, fencing, or other means shall provide for that animal access to adequate shelter from the elements of weather such as rain, cold or sun. Water and food must be available to the animal. In addition any person owning, keeping, in control of or otherwise responsible for a companion animal, pet, farm animal or any other dog or cat who, in the opinion of the animal control officer, is treating the aforementioned animal in an inhumane manner (such treatment may include, but not be limited to: prolonged chaining or tethering of animals; extended outdoor confinement; lack of access to food, water or shelter; exposure to hazardous conditions) the animal control officer or police officer shall issue the a notice and fine in accordance with this section for any person who violates the provisions contained herein.
Any person who violates the provisions of § 69-15 shall receive a written warning for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense shall be liable for payment of a fine of $50, which shall be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund, for each day in violation of said bylaw.
A. 
Procedure for determining a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog: Based upon receipt of a written complaint by a citizen requesting a determination that a dog is potentially dangerous or dangerous, or on the initiative of an Animal Control Officer based on information received by such Officer or the Board of Selectmen may make an investigation and determination that a dog is potentially dangerous or dangerous. The investigation and determination shall be in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and shall be consistent with the procedures delineated in M.G.L. c. 140, § 157.
B. 
When a dog is determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous, the Board of Selectmen may order any or all of the following:
(1) 
Spaying or neutering;
(2) 
Microchip identification, tattooing or other means of permanent identification;
(3) 
Behavior training and behavioral assessment; and
(4) 
Any other order concerning the keeping, restraint, humane euthanasia, or disposal; of such dog as may be deemed necessary, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 140, § 157.
[Amended ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
Such orders may include:
(i)
Requirements at home for dogs that have been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous: While on the owner's or keeper's property, a dog that has been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous may be ordered securely confined indoors or in a security enclosed and locked pen or structure of a type meeting standards established by the Animal Control Officer, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the dog from escaping. Such pen or structure must have a minimum dimension of 12 feet by 12 feet by six feet high, with a solid floor to prevent the dog from digging out and a top to prevent the dog from climbing out. If the pen has no solid floor secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than two feet to prevent the dog from digging out. The enclosure must provide the dog with adequate shelter from the elements of nature. The owner shall conspicuously display a sign with a symbol warning children who cannot read of the presence of a dangerous dog.
(ii)
Requirements outside of the home for dogs that have been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous: While off the owner's or keeper's premises a dog that has been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous must be restrained by a lead approved by the Animal Control Officer not exceeding six feet in length and must be under the direct physical control of a responsible, able bodied adult. No dog designated as a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog shall be permitted at public festivals, carnivals, parades or similar events. The dog may be required while outside of the home to wear a muzzle designed to prevent the dog from biting. The muzzle must prevent injury to the dog and must not interfere with the dog's vision or respiration.
The owner or keeper of a dog that has been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous must immediately notify the Animal Control Officer if the dog (a) is loose or unconfined, (b) bites a person or attacks another animal, (c) is sold, given away or dies, (d) has been moved to another address, and the location of the new address.
(iii)
That when removed from the premises of the owner or the premises of the person keeping the dog, the dog shall be securely and humanely muzzled and restrained with a chain or other tethering device having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and not exceeding three feet in length.
C. 
Exemptions:
No dog may be declared dangerous if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner or keeper of the dog, or was teasing, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or has in the past been observed or reported to have teased, tormented, abused or assaulted the dog or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to dogs owned by law enforcement agencies or law enforcement officers in the performance of police work.
D. 
Penalties:
Any person owning or harboring such dog that has been deemed potentially dangerous or dangerous who fails to comply with an order of the Board of Selectmen, or its agents, in accordance with this section, shall be punishable by a fine of $150 for the first offense and $300 for a subsequent offense, or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days for the first offense and not more than 60 days for a second or subsequent offense, or both.
If said animal is found on property not owned or controlled by its owner or keeper, or is found to be not restrained in a secure area, or is found to be in violation of any order issued by the Board of Selectmen said dog may be subject to further restriction, including an order of removal from the Town of Southwick or humane euthanasia, in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Each day there exists a violation of any of the provisions of this bylaw shall constitute and be punishable as a separate offense.
A dog that has been determined to be potentially dangerous or dangerous shall not be considered legally licensed, pursuant to M.G.L. c 140 § 137 and § 147, unless the owner or keeper is in full compliance with this bylaw.
[Added ATM 5-21-2013 by Art. 22]
A. 
No person owning or keeping a dog shall chain or tether a dog to a stationary object including, but not limited to, a structure, dog house, pole or tree for longer than 24 consecutive hours. A tethering employed shall not allow the dog to leave the owner's, guardian's or keeper's property. The tether shall be designed for dogs and no logging chains or other lines or devices not designed for tethering dogs shall be used. No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog's body weight. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from walking a dog on a hand-held leash. No dog under the age of six months shall be tethered outside for any length of time.
B. 
A person owning or keeping a dog may confine such dog outside, subject to the restrictions in this section, through the use of any of the following methods:
(1) 
Inside a pen or secure enclosure, if the following conditions are met:
(i) 
The pen or secure enclosure shall have adequate space for exercise with a dimension of at least 100 square feet; provided, however, that commercial dog kennels with pens intended for the temporary boarding of dogs shall be exempt from this requirement;
(ii) 
The pen or secure enclosure is constructed with chain link or other similar material as determined by the Building Inspector, with all four sides enclosed; and
(iii) 
The minimum height of the fence shall be adequate to successfully confine the dog;
(2) 
A fully fenced, electronically fenced or otherwise securely enclosed yard, wherein a dog has the ability to run but is unable to leave the enclosed yard; or
(3) 
A trolley system or a tether attached to a pulley in a cable run, if the following conditions are met:
(i) 
Only one dog shall be tethered to each cable run;
(ii) 
The tether shall be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog, with enough room between the collar and the dog's throat through which two adult fingers may fit; provided, however, that a choke collar and a pinch collar shall not be used to tether a dog to a cable run;
(iii) 
There shall be a swivel on at least one end of the tether to minimize tangling of the tether;
(iv) 
The tether and cable run must each be at least 10 feet in length. The cable must be mounted at least four feet but not more than seven feet above ground level; and
(v) 
The length of the tether from the cable run to the dog's collar or harness shall allow continuous access to clean water and appropriate shelter at all times as described in Subsection C; provided, however, that a trolley system or tether shall be of appropriate configuration to confine the dog to the owner's, guardian's or keeper's property, to prevent the trolley system or tether from extending over an object to an edge that could result in injury to or strangulation of the dog and to prevent the trolley system or tether from becoming tangled with other object or animals.
C. 
A person owning or keeping a dog confined outside in accordance with Subsection B shall provide the dog with access to clean water and appropriate dog shelter. The dog shelter shall allow the dog to remain dry and protected from the elements and shall be fully enclosed on at least three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the dog's entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of weather elements. The shelter shall contain clean bedding and shall be small enough to retain the dog's body heat and large enough to allow the dog to stand, lie down and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair. Suitable drainage shall be provided so that water, ice or waste is not standing in or around the shelter.
D. 
No person owning or keeping a dog shall leave a dog chained or tethered outside for longer than 24 consecutive hours.
E. 
Exceptions to the above restrictions on outdoor confinement shall be made for dogs actively engaged in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or other livestock or engaged in conduct that is directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.
F. 
No person owning or keeping a dog shall subject the dog to cruel conditions or inhumane chaining or the tethering at any time. For the purposes of this subsection, "cruel conditions and inhumane chaining or tethering" shall include, but not be limited to, the following conditions:
(1) 
Filthy and dirty confinement conditions including, but not limited to, exposure to excessive animal waste, garbage, dirty water, noxious odors, dangerous objects that could injure or kill a dog upon contact or other circumstances that could cause harm to a dog's physical or emotional health;
(2) 
Taunting, prodding, hitting, harassing, threatening or otherwise harming a tethered or confined dog; and
(3) 
Subjecting a dog to dangerous conditions, including attacks by other animals.
G. 
A person who violates this section shall, for a first offense, be issued a written warning or punished by a fine of not more than $50, for a second offense, be punished by a fine of not more than $100 and for a third or subsequent offense, be punished by a fine of not more than $300, and be subject to impoundment of the dog in a local shelter at the owner's or guardian's expense pending compliance with this section, or loss of ownership of the dog.
The operator of a motor vehicle that strikes and injures or kills a dog or cat on the byways of the Town of Southwick shall forthwith report such an accident to the owner or keeper of said dog or cat or to a police officer or Animal Control Officer. A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of $75, to be paid to the Town of Southwick General Fund.
These bylaws may be enforced through and pursuant to the noncriminal disposition procedure set forth in Chapter 1, § 1-6 of these bylaws.
These rules and regulations are adopted with the intent that each of them shall have force and effect separately and independently of each other, except insofar as by express reference or necessary implication any rule or part of any rule is made dependent upon another rule or part thereof.
[Adopted STM 3-14-2002 by Art. 13; amended in its entirety STM 4-6-2005 by Art. 10]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings as indicated:
FEEDING AND BAITING
The placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering, directly or indirectly, of shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, bread, salt or any other feed or nutritive substances, in any manner or form, so as to constitute for such birds a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over any such areas where such feed items have been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed or scattered.
A. 
No person, except the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or his agents as authorized pursuant to Chapter 131 of the Massachusetts General Laws, shall feed or bait, or attempt to feed or bait, any waterfowl of the family Anatidae (including, but not restricted to, ducks, geese and swans) or any gulls, at any place or location within the Town of Southwick.
B. 
Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the feeding of domesticated waterfowl, as defined by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, by a farmer as defined in Section IA of Chapter 128 of the Massachusetts General Laws on property owned or leased by him or the feeding of any waterfowl or other birds by propagators licensed under Section 23 of Chapter 131 of the Massachusetts General Laws when such waterfowl or other birds are confined in such a manner as may be required pursuant to said Section 23 and any rules and regulations issued under authority thereof.
C. 
Notwithstanding any of the above, the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife may authorize the emergency feeding of waterfowl and other birds when, in his opinion, such action is necessary in order to alleviate undue losses and suffering of such birds due to unusual weather conditions and other circumstances. The Director may authorize such action by proclamation, publication or such other means as he deems necessary and expedient, but such means shall include the immediate notification of the Board of Selectmen thereof by first class mail.
A. 
This article may be enforced by any Town police officers or agents of the Town's Board of Health, the Town's Harbormaster, and by state environmental police officers.
B. 
Whoever violates any provision of these regulations may be penalized by a noncriminal disposition process as provided in M.G.L. c. 40, § 21D and as set forth under § 1-6 of the Southwick Code. If noncriminal disposition is elected, then any person who violates any provision of this article shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of $50 for each offense. Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more than one, each condition violated shall constitute a separate offense.
C. 
Whoever violates any provision of this article may be penalized by indictment or on complaint brought in the District Court. Except as may be otherwise provided by law and as the district court may see fit to impose, the maximum penalty for each violation or offense shall be $300. Each day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more than one, each condition violated shall constitute a separate offense.
If any section or part of this article shall be held invalid for any reason, the remainder of this article shall continue in full force and effect.