[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Hull as Ch. 90 of the 1989 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AT LARGE
Unaccompanied by a responsible person.
NUISANCE OR DANGEROUS DOGS
In addition to any definitions provided in this bylaw for nuisance or dangerous dogs, the definitions and procedures of G.L. c. 140, sec. 136A shall apply.
[Added 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15]
OESTRUS CYCLE
The technical term for the common expression "in heat."
OUT OF CONTROL
Accompanied by a person not exerting proper supervision.
OWNER or KEEPER
Any person possessing, harboring, keeping or having an interest in, or having control or custody of a dog. If the animal is owned by a person under the age of 18, that person's custodial parents or legal guardian shall be responsible for complying with all requirements of this bylaw.
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
RESTRAINED
Being kept leashed or fenced within the bounds of the property of the owner or keeper.
A. 
The Select Board Members shall appoint an Animal Control Officer who shall report directly to the Select Board Members. The Select Board may from time to time designate a person to act as supervisor of the Animal Control Officer and may remove at any time said person from acting as supervisor.
[Amended 4-13-1981 ATM by Art. 10; 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23; 5-8-2021 ATM by Art. 6B]
B. 
The owners or keepers of a dog or dogs shall at all times be responsible for the acts of their dogs.
[Amended 4-12-1994 ATM by Art. 47]
A. 
A dog is considered to be a nuisance and to have committed an offense/violation under this chapter for any of the following causes:
(1) 
If found without a license when a license is required by law.
(2) 
If found at large or out of control.
(3) 
If found to have caused property damage.
(4) 
For having bitten or injured any domestic animal.
(5) 
For having bitten, injured or physically molested any person.
(6) 
For chasing any vehicle on a public way or way open to public traffic in the Town.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 90-3G of the 1989 Code, regarding vicious or barking dogs, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15. See now § 213-16.
(7) 
A dog that is found, whether under control or not, on any beach under the care and control of the Town or on any beach within the limits of the Town to which the public have a right of access during the period commencing June 30 through September 15.
[Amended 4-11-1988 ATM by Art. 26; 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
(8) 
A dog in her oestrus cycle, even when confined to the property of the owner or keeper, if attracting other dogs to the area, which condition causes disturbance on or damage to neighboring property or public areas.
(9) 
A dog found not to have a current rabies vaccination.
(10) 
A dog that is found to be leashed, though uncontrolled, attended to by a person unable to demonstrate proper restraint and control of its actions.
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
(11) 
No domestic animals shall be permitted at any time on any portion of a playing field owned by the Town and assigned for athletic events, except in accordance with any rules or regulations adopted by the agency in charge of said field or with the permission of said agency or person in charge. This prohibition shall not apply to domestic animals designated by appropriate authorities as service animals or to domestic animals under the control of public safety authorities.
[Added 5-2-2017 ATM by Art. 27; amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
B. 
[Nuisances by cats and other animals.]
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
(1) 
A cat or other domestic pet (excluding dog) is considered to be a nuisance for any of the following causes:
(a) 
If found without a license when a license is required by law.
(b) 
If found to have caused property damage.
(c) 
For having bitten or injured any domestic animal.
(d) 
For having bitten, injured or physically molested any person.
(2) 
If any person shall make a complaint in writing to the Animal Control Office of the Town of Hull that any animal owned or harbored within his/her jurisdiction is a nuisance by reason of vicious disposition, the Animal Control Officer shall investigate such complaint, which may include an examination on oath of the complainant, and may find such an animal to be a nuisance.
[Amended 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
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 Hull or upon any private property, unless the owner or lawful occupant of such property grants permission therefore.
B. 
No dog shall be allowed or permitted in any public place or street within the Town of Hull unless it is effectively restrained and controlled by a chain or other form of leash that is sufficient to hold the dog.
C. 
No dog shall be allowed to roam on a leash that exceeds seven feet in length that is suitable test for the dog that is being restrained and is attended to by a person of adequate age and discretion to properly control its actions or is at the heel position beside a competent person and demonstrably obedient to the person's command.
[Amended 4-12-1994 ATM by Art. 47; 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
A. 
The Animal Control Officer may impound any dog found to be a nuisance.
(1) 
An impounded dog shall be released to its owner or keeper upon payment of the pound fees to the Kennel and a reclaiming fee to the Town of $15 and on the following additional conditions:
(a) 
Upon the agreement of the owner or keeper to undertake such restrictions or control of the animal as the Animal Control Officer shall require.
(2) 
Dogs impounded and unclaimed by the owner or keeper after seven days shall be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of MGL c. 140, § 151A.
[Amended 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15]
B. 
The Animal Control Officer may impound any dog found to be a nuisance under § 213-3A(8) for the duration of the oestrus cycle, releasing it thereafter to the owner or keeper upon the payment of pound fee, or the Animal Control Officer may require the owner or keeper to place and keep such dog, when in such cycle, in a kennel or to remove it from the area so that the nuisance is abated.
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23].
No person owning, 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 or continuous noise, where noise is plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet from the building, premises, vehicle or conveyance housing said dog, or such noise is in excess of 10 minutes. The fact that such noise if plainly audible at said distance or continuous in excess of 10 minutes shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.
[Amended 4-28-1981 STM by Art. 17; 4-12-1982 ATM by Art. 26; 4-12-1994 ATM by Art. 47; 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23; 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15; 5-2-2016 ATM by Art. 21; 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
In addition to any other provision of this Chapter, the Animal Control Officer may bring a complaint, issue citations and or fines/penalties against the owner or keeper of a dog violating the provisions of this bylaw and/or by proceeding under the provisions of G.L. c. 140, section 173A or any other applicable law. In accordance with G.L. c. 140, section 173A as amended by Chapter 219, Section 14 of the Acts of 2018, the schedule of fines/penalties shall be: for the first offense committed by a person, $50.00; for a second offense, $100.00.; for a third offense, $300.00; for a fourth or subsequent offense, $500.00. The Town may order the animal spayed or neutered. Payment shall be made only be money order or check.
[Amended 4-12-1994 ATM by Art. 47; 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23]
A. 
Any person residing in the Town of Hull, who at the beginning of the license period from January 1 to December 31 or who during the license period becomes the owner or keeper of a dog six months of age or older, shall cause the dog to be licensed within 30 days. The Town Clerk shall issue dog licenses and tags on a form prescribed and furnished by the Town of Hull.
[Amended 5-1-2023 ATM by Art. 11]
B. 
On the license form the Town Clerk shall record the name and address of the owner or keeper of the dog and the name, license number and description of each dog.
C. 
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 tag. In the event that any tag is lost, defaced or destroyed, substitute tags shall be obtained by the owner or keeper from the Town Clerk at the cost of $5.
[Amended 5-2-2016 ATM by Art. 21]
D. 
The Town Clerk shall not issue a license for any dog unless the owner or keeper provides the Town Clerk with a veterinarian's certificate verifying that the dog is currently licensed against rabies.
E. 
Any exemption from the requirements of having to produce valid rabies certificate in order to obtain a dog license shall be granted if the owner or keeper presents a signed statement from a veterinarian indicating that because of infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, inoculation is hereby deemed inadvisable.
F. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of MGL Chapter 140 section 139, or any other provision of law to the contrary, the annual fees to be charged by the Town of Hull for the issuance of dog licenses shall be as follows:[2]
[Amended 5-1-2023 ATM by Art. 11]
(1) 
Unspayed and unneutered dogs: $17.
(2) 
Spayed and neutered dogs: $12.
[2]
Editor's Note: At the 6-13-2020 ATM, by Art. 14, the Town accepted the provisions of MGL c. 140, § 139, providing that no fee shall be charged for a license for a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and no fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over, and addressing refund or recovery of fees under certain circumstances.
G. 
Any owner or keeper who moves into the Town of Hull 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 $5 upon producing evidence of the previous license.
[Amended 5-2-2016 ATM by Art. 21]
H. 
Any person who violates the provisions of Subsections A through G shall be subject to a payment of a fine.
[Amended 5-2-2016 ATM by Art. 21; 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
I. 
Any individual who has not licensed his or her dog by February 1 or within 30 days of when said dog should have been licensed in any year shall pay an additional late fee of $25 per family.
[Amended 5-1-2023 ATM by Art. 11]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 90-6 of the 1989 Code, Plymouth County Dog Fund, which followed this section, was repealed 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 23.
Notwithstanding the provisions of MGL c. 140, § 147, or any other provision of law to the contrary, all money received for licenses or from the sale of dog licenses by the Town of Hull or recovered as fines or penalties by said Town shall be paid into the treasury of said Town of Hull and shall not thereafter be paid over by the Town Treasurer to the County of Plymouth but shall be appropriated solely for animal care and control.
Notwithstanding any provision of the law to the contrary, any animal pound, as defined in MGL c. 49A, § 3, of the provisions of MGL c. 49A, § 1,[1] and no such animal pound located in such Town shall be permitted to deliver from its available impounded animals any animal to a licensee as defined in said MGL c. 49A, § 1 for the purpose of scientific investigation, experimentation, instruction or testing of dogs or medicine.
[1]
Editor's Note: MGL c. 49A, § 1 through § 10, relating to the use of animals for scientific investigation, experiment or instruction, was repealed by St. 1983, c. 631, § 1, effective 10-1-1984.
[Added 5-13-2002 ATM by Art. 17, effective 7-1-2002]
A. 
No owner or caretaker may leave a dog, cat or other small animal unattended in a standing or parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of such animal.
B. 
Authority to Remove: Reasonable force may be used to enter and to remove such animal from a standing or parked vehicle by any police officer, animal control officer or agent or officer of any humane society.
C. 
Violations and Penalties: Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this § 213-11 of the code of the Town of Hull shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine for each violation. This section may also be enforced by non-criminal disposition, or by civil action, without limiting any other method of enforcement.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
D. 
Severability: Any clause, section or part of this section determined to be invalid by any judiciary for any reason shall be severable from any other clause, section or part without affecting the validity of that which remains.
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 21]
A. 
The owner or keeper of a dog or cat six months of age or older housed in the Town of Hull shall cause such dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a licensed vaccine approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Unvaccinated dogs and cats acquired or moved into the Town of Hull shall be vaccinated within 30 days after the acquisition or arrival into the Town of Hull or upon reaching the age of six months, whichever first occurs. Such owner or keeper shall procure a veterinarian's certification that such animal has been so vaccinated and setting forth the date of such veterinarian that a certification was issued.
B. 
The veterinarian shall issue a tag with each certificate of vaccination. The tag shall be secured by the owner of such dog or cat to a collar or harness made of suitable material to be worn by the dog or cat; however, the owner of a cat may choose not to affix a tag to his cat but shall have the tag available for inspection upon demand by the Animal Control Officer, Police Officers, Animal Inspector or other such authorized officials of the Town of Hull.
[Added 5-8-2007 ATM by Art. 35; amended 5-2-2016 ATM by Art. 21; 5-2-2017 ATM by Art. 27; 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
A. 
No person owning or having the care, custody or control of any dog shall permit such dog to defecate upon any sidewalk, street, thoroughfare, beach or wetland, in or upon any public property, in or upon any public drainage system or in or upon the property of persons other than the owner or persons having the care, custody or control of such dog, unless said person picks up any such waste and disposes of same in a sanitary manner; nor shall such person deposit or leave such waste in any of the aforementioned locations.
B. 
This section shall not apply to a Service Dog accompanying any handicapped person.
[Added 5-4-2009 ATM by Art. 11; amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
A. 
No person shall keep more than six cats, being over the age of six months, at any premises within the Town of Hull. No person shall keep more than four dogs, being over the age of six months, at any premises within the Town of Hull unless a kennel license has been first obtained.
B. 
In addition to any other legal remedies that may be available, the Animal Control Officer or other designated enforcing person may enforce these penalties through the Town's non-criminal disposition bylaw.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 1, Art. II, Penalties and Enforcement, of the Town Code.
[Added 5-4-2009 ATM by Art. 11]
Payment to veterinarians. Any veterinarian registered under the provisions of G.L. c. 112, section 55 or 56, who renders emergency care or treatment to, or disposes of or is mandated to test for rabies a dog or cat that is injured in any way within the Town of Hull, 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.
[Added 5-4-2009 ATM by Art. 11]
A. 
Definition. A "dangerous dog" or "vicious dog," as used in this section, shall mean:
(1) 
Any dog that has bitten or attacked (herein called an attack) any person or has attempted to bite or attack (herein called an attack) any person. In addition to any other evidence that a dog has attempted to attack a person, a dog shall be deemed to be attempting to attack if it is restrained by a leash, fence or other means and it is clear from the dog's excited actions, such as, for example, acting in an aggressive, vicious or terrorizing manner, that only the presence of the leash, fence, or other means of restraint is preventing the dog from making an immediate attack or is otherwise deflected from coming into contact with a person or animal while in such an aggressive state.
(2) 
Any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury to, or to otherwise threaten the safety of domestic animals.
(3) 
Any dog, whether leashed or not, which, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public or private property.
(4) 
The term "dangerous dog" shall have the same meaning as a vicious dog; and the term "vicious dog" shall have the same meaning as a "dangerous dog."
B. 
Exceptions.
(1) 
No dog shall be considered dangerous or vicious if:
(a) 
A human being who, at the time the injury was sustained, was committing criminal trespass or other tort upon premises occupied by the owner of the dog, or was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
(b) 
A domestic animal, which, at the time the injury was sustained, was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog.
(c) 
A domestic animal while the dog was working as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog on the property of or under the control of its owner and the injury was to a species or type of domestic animal appropriate to the work of the dog.
(2) 
No dog shall be considered dangerous or potentially dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an attack or assault.
(3) 
No military, correctional or police-owned dogs shall be considered dangerous if the attack or injury to a person or domestic animal occurs while the dog is performing duties as expected.
(4) 
No dog shall be considered dangerous or potentially dangerous if the dog was reacting to pain or injury, or was protecting itself, its kennel or its offspring.
C. 
Duties of the hearing authority and/or Animal Control Officer when dog is deemed dangerous or vicious. When a dog is deemed to be dangerous or vicious, the hearing authority and/or Animal Control Officer may order the following:
[Amended 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15]
(1) 
Spay or neutering, if the animal is not already altered. The animal will be exempt from such an order if a veterinarian certifies in a written statement that the animal is unfit for alterations because of medical conditions.
(2) 
Microchip identification, if the animal is not already micro-chipped.
(3) 
Behavior training from a certified behaviorist, as determined by the Animal Control Officer.
(4) 
The owner provides adequate security to the premises where the potentially dangerous dog is kept, as specifically described in writing to the owner by the Animal Control Officer. Said owner must comply within 30 days of receiving description.
(5) 
Any other directive reasonably designed to protect the public or any person or other animal from harm from the dog.
(6) 
Any other remedy provided for by law.
D. 
Outdoor Confinement. No person shall own, keep or harbor, or allow to be upon any premises occupied by him under his charge or control, any vicious dog; or any dog of a cross, dangerous or ferocious disposition, or a dog that may manifest a disposition to bite, without it being confined behind a fence and securely chained by a chain which will not allow the dog to come closer than six feet to the fence, and not take such dog out of the secure enclosure unless the dog is securely muzzled and leashed on a leash no longer than four feet in length. The dog must be under control of a responsible person 18 years of age or older. No such dogs are allowed on or within 100 feet (unless so confined or restrained pursuant to this bylaw) of any beaches, playgrounds, bus stops or school property.
E. 
Indoor Confinement. No vicious dog may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such building on its own volition. In addition, no such animal may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacles preventing the dog from exiting the structure, unless said dog is confined to a crate or is on a restraint sufficient to restrain the dog from exiting the house or structure.
F. 
Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of vicious dogs shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public, using the words "Beware of Dog". In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted by the kennel or pen of such dog.
G. 
Giving away, selling, bartering or transferring possession. In the event that any dog deemed vicious under this section is given away, sold, bartered possession of same is transferred, the orders and directives of the Animal Control Officer as pertains to said dog shall remain applicable. The owner, keeper or harborer shall inform the recipient of said dog of same. Any person so receiving such a dog shall remain subject to the orders and directives so issued. All owners, keepers, or harborers of such dog will notify Animal Control in advance of the dog's relocation, whether within the Town or elsewhere.
H. 
Impoundment. Any dog found running at large or in violation of this section shall be impounded by the Animal Control Officer and cannot be claimed until the provisions of the section are met. The impoundment fee is borne by the owner, whether or not such dog is claimed. Disposition of dogs impounded and unclaimed shall be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The animal may be disposed of by adoption or euthanasia, dependent upon species and condition of the animal impounded, which determination shall be made by the Animal Control Officer.
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 10]
I. 
Destruction. When, in the judgment of the Animal Control Officer, a dog should be destroyed after being determined to be vicious, G.L. c. 140, section 157 shall be applicable.
J. 
Dangerous or vicious dog surcharge. For any dog deemed a dangerous or vicious dog there shall be an annual $50 surcharge due to the additional services that are required by the Town in addition to the regular licensing fee. The surcharge required by this provision shall be paid within 30 days of the determination or order. Said surcharge shall thereafter be due and payable at the time of obtaining the dog license or renewal thereof.
K. 
Penalties. After 30 days of being notified that a dog is dangerous or vicious, any owner found not in compliance with any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine. Each day that the owner is not in compliance with any provision shall constitute a separate offense. These provisions may also be enforced under the Town's non-criminal disposition bylaw.[1]
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 1, Art. II, Penalties and Enforcement.
L. 
Appeals. In addition to any other appeal provided by law, any person aggrieved by a determination or order of the Animal Control Officer may appeal the same to the Select Board, which shall hold a hearing under the provisions of G.L. c. 140, section 157, and all rights of further appeal as provided for in said section or otherwise provided by law shall apply.
[Amended 5-8-2021 ATM by Art. 6B]
[Added 5-4-2009 ATM by Art. 11]
A. 
Definition. A "potentially dangerous dog" as used in this section, shall mean:
(1) 
Any dog that is impounded or its owners cited for allowing a dog to run off leash three or more times in a twelve-month period; or
(2) 
Any dog that acts in a highly aggressive manner, when unprovoked, within a fenced yard or enclosure and appears to the Animal Control Officer to be able to jump over or escape. Vocalization or barking, without move, shall not cause a dog to be deemed of a highly aggressive manner.
B. 
Duties of the Animal Control Officer when dog is deemed potentially dangerous. When a dog is deemed to be potentially dangerous, the Animal Control Officer may order the following:
(1) 
Spay or neutering, if the animal is not already altered. The animal will be exempt from such an order if a veterinarian certifies in a written statement that the animal is unfit for alterations because of medical conditions.
(2) 
Microchip identification, if the animal is not already microchipped.
(3) 
Behavior training from a certified behaviorist, as determined by the Office of Animal Control.
(4) 
The owner provides adequate security to the premises where the potentially dangerous dog is kept, as specifically described in writing to the owner by the Animal Control Officer. Said owner must comply within 30 days of receiving description.
(5) 
Any other directive reasonably designed to protect the public or any person or other animal from harm from the dog.
C. 
Person responsible. No person under the age of 18 shall own, handle, control or be responsible for a potentially dangerous dog.
D. 
Signs. All owners, keepers or harborers of potentially dangerous dogs shall display in a prominent place on their premises a sign easily readable by the public, using the words "Beware of Dog". In addition, a similar sign is required to be posted on the kennel or pen of such dog.
E. 
Penalties. After 30 days of being notified that a dog is potentially dangerous, any owner found not in compliance with any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine for any first offense and all subsequent offenses. Each day that the owner is not in compliance shall constitute a separate offense. These provisions may also be enforced under the Town's non-criminal disposition bylaw.[1]
[Amended 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 11]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 1, Art. II, Penalties and Enforcement.
F. 
Appeals. In addition to any other appeal provided by law, any person aggrieved by a determination or order of the Animal Control Officer may appeal the same to the Select Board, which shall hold a hearing under the provisions of G.L. c. 140, section 157, and all rights of further appeal as provided for in said section or otherwise provided by law shall apply.
[Amended 5-8-2021 ATM by Art. 6B]
[Added 5-7-2013 ATM by Art. 15]
A. 
If any person shall make a complaint in writing to the Hearing Authority and/or Animal Control Officer of the Town that any dog owned or harbored within the Town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog, the Hearing Authority and/or Animal Control Officer shall investigate or cause the investigation of the complaint, which to the extent applicable may include an examination under oath of the complainant at a public hearing. Based on credible evidence and testimony present at the public hearing, the Hearing Authority shall:
(1) 
If the dog is complained of as a nuisance dog, either dismiss the complaint or deem the dog a nuisance dog; or
(2) 
If the dog is complained of as a dangerous dog:
(a) 
Dismiss the complaint;
(b) 
Deem the dog a nuisance dog; or
(c) 
Deem the dog a dangerous dog.
B. 
In addition to any other remedy provided for in this bylaw, the Town, Hearing Authority and the Animal Control Officer shall have such other powers, rights and remedies as provided for by any applicable law.