[Adopted as Ch. 4, Art. II, of the 1963 City Code (Ch. 137, Art. II, of the 1980 Code)]
[Amended 6-3-2025 by Doc. 70]
A. 
The definitions for this article are the same as those in Chapter 140, Section 136A of the General Laws.
B. 
Every owner or keeper of a dog more than three months old shall obtain from the City Clerk a license therefor.
C. 
In accordance with Chapter 140, Section 137A of the General Laws, a person maintaining a kennel shall obtain a kennel license. Before a kennel license can be issued, the kennel must be inspected by an Animal Control Officer to ensure that it is being maintained in a sanitary and humane manner and that all records are up to date. Upon completion of inspection, the kennel license will be approved or denied.
D. 
Inspections. In accordance with Chapter 140, Section 137C of the General Laws, an Animal Control Officer or police officer may inspect, or cause to be inspected, any licensed kennel. If, in the judgment of the Animal Control Officer or police officer, the kennel is not being maintained in a sanitary or humane manner, or if records are not being properly kept as required by law, the inspecting authority shall, by order, revoke or suspend the license for the kennel.
E. 
Fees. The fee for a kennel license shall be the amount listed in the Haverhill City Clerk's Fee Schedule.
F. 
Expiration. A kennel license shall automatically expire after one year.
G. 
Renewal. A kennel license shall be renewed annually upon completion of an annual inspection and payment of the appropriate fee, provided that the license holder has not been in violation of this ordinance or Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to dogs in the past 12 months as determined by the Animal Control Officer.
H. 
General enforcement.
(1) 
This article may be enforced by the Haverhill Animal Control Officer, Health Department, Inspectional Services Department, or the Police Department, and if, in the judgment of Chief of Police, Animal Control Officer, and the Health Department, the kennel is not being maintained in a sanitary and humane manner or if records are not properly kept as required by law, such person or body shall, by order, revoke or suspend the license for the kennel.
(2) 
This article may also be enforced through appropriate criminal or civil process under Massachusetts General Laws.
I. 
Fines and violations. Penalties for violation of any provision of this article may result in the fines listed in Chapter 140, Section 137A of the General Laws and/or suspension or revocation of applicable license or permit:
J. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this article, kennels shall comply with all other provisions of Chapter 140, Sections 136A through 174G of the General Laws.
[Amended 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76; 6-3-2008 by Doc. 66]
The Mayor shall designate one or more Animal Control Officers who shall hold office until a successor is qualified. The Mayor may also designate one or more Assistant Animal Control Officers, who may be employed on a part-time or seasonal basis, who shall work under the supervision of the Chief of Police and whose duties shall be to patrol parks and playgrounds enforcing violations of §§ 137-4, 137-10 and 137-11.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized and directed to obtain and maintain suitable premises and make all necessary rules and regulations relative thereto for the purpose of restraining of dogs found not properly muzzled or running at large, contrary to any order passed by the City Council.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 137-10, Duty of police officers, which immediately followed this section, was deleted 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76.
[Amended 4-12-1983 by Doc. 72; 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76]
The Animal Control Officer shall be immediately notified of any dog so apprehended and placed which is not licensed and collared as provided by law. The owner or keeper of any dog so apprehended and placed which is licensed and collared shall be immediately notified in writing of such apprehension and the place where such dog is restrained and that a fee as herein provided shall be charged for each day or portion of the day during which such dog is so restrained. Such notice shall be served by delivering the same in hand or at the last and usual place of abode of such owner or keeper, and a certified copy of the order of the City Council relating to the restraining and muzzling of dogs shall be delivered to such owner or keeper at the same time, as provided for in MGL c. 140, § 168. Such dog shall be restrained on the premises for a period of 10 days after the serving of the notice or unless called for within the period by the owner or keeper or someone in his behalf. A fee of $15 per day or any portion of a day during which such dog is so restrained on the premises shall be paid to the City Treasurer by the owner or keeper of such dog. In addition, a fee of $10 shall be paid to the City Treasurer by the owner of any dog picked up by the Animal Control Officer.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 137-12, Penalty, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 4-12-1983 by Doc. 72. For current penalty provisions, see § 137-16.