Lawrence, Massachusetts

6.04.010 – Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall mean:

Kennel means any premises wherein any person, partnership or corporation engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, selling for hire, training for a fee, selling dogs, or engages in training dogs for guard or sentry purposes; or every pack or collection of more than three dogs, three months old or over, owned or kept on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.

6.04.040 – Registration and licenses.

The requirements for the registration and licensing of dogs within the city limits shall be as provided in section 137 of chapter 140 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.

A. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or having custody of any dog over three months of age within this city must obtain a license as provided in this chapter.

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I. A license shall be issued after payment of the applicable fee:

1. For each unneutered male dog …..$50.00

2. For each neutered male dog …..15.00

3. For each unspayed female dog …..50.00

4. For each spayed female dog …..15.00

6.04.060 – Determination of license fees.

A. The fee for every license shall, except as otherwise provided, be $50.00, unless a certificate of a registered veterinarian who performed the operation stating that said female dog has been spayed or that said male dog has been neutered, and that said male or female dog has thereby been deprived of the power of propagation, has been shown to the city clerk, in which case the fee shall be $15.00. If the city clerk is satisfied that the certificate of the veterinarian who spayed or neutered the dog cannot be obtained, the city clerk may accept in lieu thereof a statement signed under the penalties of perjury by a veterinarian registered and practicing in the commonwealth, describing the dog and stating that the veterinarian has examined such dog and that it appears to have been, and in his or her opinion has been, spayed or neutered and thereby deprived of the power of propagation, or a receipt of a bill from the veterinarian who performed the operation that spayed or neutered such dog. A certified copy of such certificate on file in the office of any city or town clerk within the commonwealth may be accepted as evidence that such operation has been performed.

B. No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog specially trained to lead or serve a blind person, deaf person, or handicapped person; provided that such dog is certified as being so trained and is actually in the service of such a person. No license fee or part thereof shall be refunded because of the subsequent death, loss, spaying, or removal from the commonwealth or other disposal of the dog.

C. No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog aged 12 years or older.

D. No fee shall be charged for a dog whose owner is aged 65 years or older.

6.04.090 – Sterilization of adopted animal—Deposit.

No unclaimed dog shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without written agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such animal will be sterilized and a deposit of at least $35.00 must be paid at the time of adoption, $25.00 to be refunded after proof of sterilization.

6.04.250 – Kennels—Permit required.

No person, partnership, corporation, or other organization shall operate a kennel or commercial establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit as provided for in MGL chapter 140.