Animal Control

Dog waste is a threat to our public water supply, degrades our town and transmits disease. Leash, curb and clean up after your dog – it is required by law. Failure to clean up after your dog falls under the public nuisance section of the town by-laws pertaining to dogs. Fines for violations are as follows:

1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: $50
3rd and Subsequent Offenses: $100

Barking frequently or for continued duration (in excess of 20 minutes) is considered a noise disturbance and your dog can be considered a public nuisance (Chapter 12, Section 9 of the town by-laws). Penalties are as follows:

1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: $50
3rd and Subsequent Offenses: $100

If you find an injured dog or cat, please call us. We can assist in locating the owner and/or transporting the animal to Wignall Animal Hospital.

If you find injured wildlife, please do not try to touch or move the animal. Contact Animal Control or the Dracut Police if after hours.

Please note that the operator of a motor vehicle that strikes and injures or kills a dog or cat is required to report the accident to the owner of the animal or to the police department. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine. (Reference M.G.L. Chapter 272, Section 80H).

Dracut has a leash law, which is in effect 24/7. Dogs are not permitted to run at large at any time. They may not be left unattended on their owner’s property. When off the owner’s property, the person attending the dog must have control of the dog on a leash no greater than six (6) feet in length. Dogs that are found running at large may be taken by Animal Control and impounded at Wignall Animal Hospital. If the dog can be identified, the owner will be notified. Impounded dogs will be kept for seven (7) days, unless they are claimed by their owners. After seven (7) days the dogs will be eligible for adoption.

Please refer to Chapter 12, Section 8 of the town by-laws for more information on the leash law.