Mansfield, Massachusetts

§ 89-1 Definitions.

As used in this bylaw, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT

Any pet shop, grooming shop, riding school or stable, boarding or breeding kennels, or any establishment selling or harboring animals.

§ 89-4 Licensing.

A. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or having custody of any dog over six months of age within the Town of Mansfield must obtain a license as herein provided.

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K. A license shall be issued after payment of the following fee:

(1) Unneutered male dogs: $15.

(2) Neutered male dogs: $10.

(3) Unspayed female dogs: $15.

(4) Spayed female dogs: $10.

§ 89-5 Permits.

A. No person, partnership, or corporation shall operate a commercial animal establishment or animal shelter without first obtaining a permit in compliance with this section.

B. The permit granting authority shall promulgate regulations for the issuance of permits and shall include requirements for humane care of all animals and for compliance with the provisions of this bylaw and other applicable laws. The permit granting authority may amend such regulations from time to time as deemed necessary for public health and welfare and for the protection of animals.

C. A permit shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee and when a permit applicant has shown that they are willing and able to comply with the regulations promulgated by the permit granting authority, and an inspection of facility has been satisfactorily completed by the Animal Control Officer and signed off by the Animal Welfare Committee/Chief of Police.

D. Reapplications for a permit shall follow the same procedures as outlined in § 89-4D, and facilities must be reinspected on a yearly basis by the Animal Control Officer.

E. Effective January 1990, the permit period shall begin January 1 and shall run until December 31, both dates inclusive. A permit application may be made 30 days prior to the start of the permit period and up to April 30.

F. If there is a change in ownership of a commercial animal establishment, within 30 days the new owner must have the current permit transferred to their name upon payment of a transfer fee of $10 after the Animal Control Officer has inspected the premises.

G. Fees.

(1) Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the applicable fee:

(a) Kennel authorized to house four or fewer dogs: $25.

(b) Kennel authorized to house more than four dogs but not more than 10 dogs: $50.

(2) No fee may be required of any veterinary clinic and/or hospital or animal shelter.

(3) Failure to obtain a permit before opening any facility covered in this section shall result in a

fine of $100.

(4) Any person who has a change in the category under which a permit was issued shall be subject to reclassification and readjustment of the permit fee.

§ 89-6 License and permit issuance and revocation.

A. After an application is filed, the Animal Control Officer shall inspect the facility prior to the permit granting authority issuing the permit. The permit granting authority may revoke any permit of any commercial animal establishment if the applicant refuses or fails to comply with §§ 89-5 and 89-6 of this bylaw, the regulations promulgated by the permit granting authority, or any law governing the protection and keeping of animals.

B. Any person whose permit or license is revoked shall, within 10 days thereafter, humanely dispose of all animals owned, kept, or harbored. No part of the permit or license fee shall be refunded.

C. It shall be a condition of the issuance of any permit or license that the Animal Control Officer and police shall be permitted to inspect all animals and the premises where animals are kept at any time and shall, if permission for such inspection is refused, revoke the permit or license of the refusing owner.

D. If the applicant has withheld or falsified any information on the application, the permit granting authority shall refuse to issue a permit or license or revoke any permit or license already issued.

E. No person who has been convicted of cruelty to animals shall be issued a permit or license to operate a commercial animal establishment or own/keep any domestic animals in the Town of Mansfield.

F. Any person having been denied a license or permit may not reapply for a period of 30 days. Each reapplication shall be accompanied by a fee of $10.

§ 89-11 Sterilization.

A. No unclaimed dog or cat shall be released for adoption without being sterilized or without written agreement from the adopter guaranteeing that such dogs or cats will be sterilized within 30 days for adults and a specified date in the contract for pups or kittens under six months of age. A deposit of not less than $40 for dogs or cats must be paid at the time of adoption for dogs or cats to be sterilized after adoption.

B. Once the dog or cat has been sterilized, the deposit will be refunded after evidence from a licensed veterinarian of the sterilization procedure being completed.