[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Framingham as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 1-5-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-006 as Art. II, Sec. 14, of the General Ordinances]
No person shall own or keep in the City any dog which, by barking, biting, howling or in any other manner disturbs the quiet of any person for a prolonged period such that a reasonable person would find such behavior disruptive to one's quiet and peaceful enjoyment.
If any person shall make a complaint, in writing, to the Chief of Police of the City that any dog owned or harbored within its jurisdiction is a nuisance or dangerous dog by reason of vicious disposition or excessive barking or other disturbance, the hearing authority shall investigate or cause the investigation of the complaint, including an examination under oath of the complainant at a public hearing in the municipality, to determine whether the dog is a nuisance or a dangerous dog in accordance with MGL c. 140, § 157. For purposes of this section, the "hearing authority" shall have the same definition as set forth under MGL c. 140, § 136A.
No person owning or harboring a dog shall suffer or allow it to run at large in any of the streets or public places in the City of Framingham or allow it upon the premises of anyone other than the owner or keeper of such dog without the permission of the owner or occupant of such premises. No dog shall be permitted in any street or public place within the City of Framingham unless it is effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding 10 feet in length.
It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer to apprehend any dog found running at large in any street or public place within the City of Framingham or in violation of any of the provisions of this article and to impound such dog in the place provided therefor. The Animal Control Officer, upon receiving any such dog, shall make a complete registry, entering the breed, color and sex of such dog and whether licensed. If licensed, the Animal Control Officer shall enter the name and address of the owner and the number of the license tag. The owner, if known, shall be notified as soon as possible that the dog has been impounded. The owner of any dog so impounded may reclaim such dog upon payment of the license fee, if unpaid, and of all costs and charges incurred by the City for impounding and maintenance of such dog as provided by law.
The Animal Control Officer may, pending the outcome of a review by the hearing authority under MGL c. 140, § 157, order a dog to be muzzled or confined to its owner's premises, whichever in their judgment may be required, for any of the following reasons:
A. 
If found at large or unmuzzled, as the case may be, while an order of the Chief of Police for the confinement or muzzling of such dog is in effect.
B. 
For having attacked or bitten any person.
C. 
For having killed or maimed or otherwise damaged any other domesticated animal.
D. 
For behaving 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.
A person aggrieved by any order of the hearing authority may seek judicial review in the manner provided in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 157.
Any owner or keeper of a dog who shall fail to comply with the provisions of this article shall be punished as follows:
A. 
First offense: warning.
B. 
Second offense: $50.
C. 
Third offense: $60.
D. 
Subsequent offenses: $100.
Anyone who is an owner or keeper of an unlicensed dog and who has neglected in previous years to get a license will be subject to a fine of $10 for each year the person is in arrears. Fines are payable to the City Clerk's office.
[Amended 4-30-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-025]
Dog licenses are available at the City Clerk's office starting January 2 of each year. Fees for such licenses shall be set by the Council. All fees are turned over to the Treasurer-Collector monthly. Licenses not purchased between January 2 and February 28 are subject to a late fee of $50.
Every person maintaining a kennel shall obtain a kennel license which can be purchased through the City Clerk's office. Fees for such licenses shall be set by the Council. Kennel licenses must be approved by the Board of Health, as well as by the Animal Control Officer under MGL c. 140, § 137A. Every person owning more than three dogs must purchase a kennel license.