Keeping Animals

Abandoned animals

• MGL c.186, § 30 When tenants leave a property, the owner or lessor should inspect it for abandoned animals
• MGL c.239, § 14 After property is vacated following summary process, the owner or lessor should inspect it for abandoned animals
• MGL c.244, § 41 After property is vacated following mortgage foreclosure, the owner or lessor should inspect it for abandoned animals

Animal cruelty

• MGL c.19A, § 42 Dept. of Elder Affairs reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect
• MGL c.19C, § 14 Disabled Persons Protection Commission reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect
• MGL c.112, § 58B Reports of suspected acts of cruelty to animals; veterinarians; immunity from liability; failure to report
• MGL c.140, § 174E  Chaining or tethering; confinement
• MGL c.140, § 174F  Leaving an animal in a hot or cold vehicle; removing an animal in danger from a vehicle
• MGL c.266, § 112  Maliciously killing or injuring a domestic animal
• MGL c.272, § 77 Animal cruelty

Cock fighting and dog fighting

• MGL c.272, § 88 Complaints, warrants and arrests
• MGL c.272, § 89 Police may enter exhibition place of fighting animals without a warrant and seize the animals
• MGL c.272, § 91 Court proceedings for animal fighting
• MGL c.272, § 93 Expenses of care and destruction of fighting animals
• MGL c.272, § 94 Penalty for keeping or exhibiting fighting animals
• MGL c.272, § 95 Penalty for being present at an animal fight

Dogs

• MGL c.140 §§ 136A-175 Laws pertaining to dogs

Endangered species

• MGL v.131A §§ 1-7 MA Endangered Species Act

Exotic pets

• MGL c.131, § 23 License required to propagate or deal in wild birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians
• MGL c.131, § 77A Possessing wild dogs and cats prohibited

Horses

• MGL c. 90, § 14 Driving rules when driving near animals on the road
• MGL c.140 § 176 Stallions

Leasing or renting dogs

• MGL c.272, § 80I With some unusual exceptions, you may not rent or lease a dog

Livestock health and sales

• MGL c.129

Restraining orders

• MGL c.209A, § 11 Possession, care and control of domesticated animal owned by persons involved in certain protective orders; notice to law enforcement upon finding of imminent threat to household member or animal

Transporting animals

• MGL c.90 § 22H Safe transportation of animals