The Animal Control Officer provides domestic animal control services to the community. The Animal Control Officer enforces Town By-Laws as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts animal control laws under M.G.L Chapter 140 Section 136A through 174F. The Animal Control Officer responds to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, injured animals, and other requests for service. The Animal Control Officer is also available to provide advice on dog behavior, wild animal avoidance and education events.
Please note that it is the law to rabies vaccinate and keep the vaccination status current for your pets. You are also required to license your dog annually in the State of Massachusetts.
Our Services
- Stray Dog Pick-ups;
- Returning Animals to their Registered Owners;
- Investigate Animal Nuisance Complaints;
- Animal Bite quarantines;
- Rabies Control;
- Investigate Animal Abuse/Collector;
- Animal Control Education & Information;
- Working with the Board of Health and Police
Animal Control Forms & Resources
Contact
Animal Control Officer & Animal Inspector
Stacy Ferry
(774) 644–8004
animalcontrol@dighton-ma.gov
Helpful Links
- Massachusetts Hunting Regulations
- Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing Regulations
- Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Regulations
- Massachusetts Animal Fund (Spay/Neuter Program)
Additional Resources
Commonwealth Wildlife
1-617-285-0023
Baystate Wildlife
(781) 241-9115, Evenings (617) 592-5905
Critter Control
(617) 975-0440
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it doesn’t mean that they are necessarily rabid. If you see an animal acting strange or erratic during the day and are worried about its health contact the ACO.
Legally wildlife can not be removed from your property as that is their home. If you really need them removed, contact a problem animal control service or a trapper but know if an animal is taken off your property they may need to be euthanized.
Yes, the Town of Dighton does have a leash law that requires animals to be on a leash at all times when not on your property. As long as you have control of your animal on your property you’re not required to have them on leash.
You must contact the Animal Control Officer if you are bitten or severely scratched by an animal, your pet has been bitten by an animal or your pet has bitten a person or pet.
According to town bylaws and state laws, all dogs must be licensed. Additionally, if your dog is licensed it helps return dogs that may have gotten loose.
If tethered, the law says no more than 4 hours with shelter and water. If there is a kennel with appropriate shelter and water, it can be longer as long as the dog is not a nuisance. If there is a weather advisory they should only be outside to do their business. As always, there may be some exceptions.