Northbridge, Massachusetts

§ 8-105 Licensing requirements.

A. Any owner or keeper of a dog six months of age or older in the town of Northbridge shall cause that dog to be licensed as required by MGL c. 140 within the stipulated time. An owner or keeper of fewer than four dogs over three months of age may elect to secure a kennel license in lieu of licensing the dogs individually as provided by MGL c. 140, § 137A.

B. Fees.

(1) The annual fee for every dog license, except as otherwise provided for by law, shall be $10, unless the town clerk has been shown a certificate of a registered veterinarian who performed the operation that altered the dog and thereby deprived it of the power of breeding or producing offspring, in which case the fee shall be $6. If the town clerk is satisfied that the certification by the veterinarian who altered the dog cannot be obtained, the town clerk may accept in lieu thereof a statement, under the penalties of perjury, by a registered veterinarian describing the dog and stating that he has examined the dog and, in his opinion, the dog is not capable of breeding or producing offspring by reason of spaying or neutering. Until the veterinarian has examined the dog in question, the license fee for the licensing period shall be at the rate of $10. When applying for a license, the applicant must also show proof by a veterinarian’s certificate that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, as required by MGL c. 140.

§ 8-110 Estrous cycle.

A. If found at large, dogs in the estrous cycle (heat) can be impounded. If complaints have been recorded, the animal control officer may require the owner to remove the animal from the area of disturbance. If a dog is impounded, the owner shall be notified by registered mail of the animal’s confinement.

B. A fine of $25 shall be levied against the owner or keeper of an unspayed female dog in heat running at large.

C. Impounded, unlicensed dogs in heat shall be kept for 10 days. During such time a description of the animal will be posted in the town hall. If the animal is not claimed, it shall be sold to anyone paying the fines and storage of said animal. If not claimed or sold within the 10-day period, the animal shall be destroyed in a humane manner.