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Animal Control

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1. How could I make a barking dog complaint?

When filling a barking dog complaint please follow the steps below to ensure proper documentation and resolution.

• Contact Animal Control leaving a message of where the location, time of disturbance and name of the owner if known.Please leave your number so that someone can explain the procedures that we must follow so that we will be able to handle this complaint in a timely manner. (a) Animal Control will make a courtesy call to the residence advising them of the complaint that has been filed and of the procedure that will follow if the complainant feels the barking continuse.
• If a courtesy call does not rectify the issue, you as the complainant must document for at least 7 to 10 days the noise nuisance, and or video tape or record such nuisance. You must submit in writing a signed complaint requesting a hearing and forward copies of said logs/videos to Animal Control Department.
• Animal Control will review all the information and forward to the Hearing Officer for his review.
• The Animal Control Officer will set up a hearing date and time and notify by mail all complainants and the dog owner of a public hearing.
• A hearing will be conducted and the Hearing Officer will make a determination as to whether the complaint is valid or be dismissed. If the complaint is valid the hearing officer will render a decision within 60 days of said hearing

This is pursuant to MA.Genral Laws Chapter 140 Section 157a Dog Complaints and Hearings

2. How can you prevent rabies?

• Avoid wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Do not feed or pet strays. Avoid any animal - wild, farm or pet - that you do not know. Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
• Make sure that your pets are inoculated against rabies and that their shots are up to date. By law all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Feed pets indoors and keeps them indoors at night. If they are outside during the day, keep them on a leash or fenced in so they cannot wander. Even vaccinated pets can get rabies. Pets allowed to roam freely are more likely to get rabies and bring it into your home.
• Fasten trash can lids tightly. Garbage attracts animals (like skunks, raccoons and strays) looking for an easy meal.
• Teach your children to avoid wildlife, strays and all other animals they don't know well. Do not let your children roam freely in areas where wild animals live.
• It is against state law to keep wild animals such as skunks, or raccoons as pets. There are no rabies vaccines for most wild species.
• Cap your chimney with screens and block openings in attics, cellars and porches to keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home.
• If you have bats in your house, talk to a professional about bat proofing your home.
• Do not handle dead, sick or injured wild animals yourself: call the police or animal control officer. If you must handle the animal, use heavy gloves, sticks or other tools to avoid direct contact.
• Animal Control Officers, veterinarians and their assistants, and others who have a lot of contact with strays or wildlife should think about getting routine rabies vaccinations to protect themselves before they are exposed to the virus.
• Your doctor, nurse, or health center.
• Your local Board of Health Listed in the phone directory under local government.
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Epidemiology 617-983-6800.

3. What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?

If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal, or by a pet or farm animal that has been behaving oddly, follow these steps:

• Wash the wound with soap and water right away for at least five minutes.
• Call your local Board of Health and your doctor, nurse or health center as soon as you finish washing. They will help you decide if you need to be treated for rabies. Follow their instructions to the letter.
• Contact your local animal control officer to catch or find the animal that scratched or bit you. Your local board of health can tell you how to get it tested by the State Rabies Lab.
• If your pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal you think might be rabid, wear gloves to touch it. Follow the steps above but call your pet's veterinarian instead of your own doctor in step 2.

4. How can I tell if an animal is rabid?

Rabid animals often behave strangely after the virus attacks their brains. Rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no real reason, or they may lose their fear of people and seem to be unnaturally friendly. Not all rabid animals act this way, however, so you should avoid all wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Also, you should not feed or touch stray cats and dogs.

5. How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus can lives in the saliva (spit) and other body fluids of infected animals and is spread when they bite or scratch. The virus can also be spread if one of these body fluids touches broken skin or a mucous membrane.

6. What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal.

7. Why can't Animal Control take care of my problem?

We also follow under the same strict guidelines as you do. We are not licensed (PAC AGENTS) the only thing Animal Control could help is if the animal is injured then the animal will be euthanized.

8. Is there any information online that I could turn to?

The MSPCA has a website living with it has some helpful information. Or you may email the MSPCA at 617-522-7400 or email.

You may also visit the Fisher and Wildlife website.

9. I have problems with wildlife what are my choices? Can I capture it?

Massachusetts's law prohibits capturing a wild animal and releasing it in another area. You can contact a (PAC AGENT) Problem Animal Control Agent who may assist you with the problem their number is in the phone book under the pest control section.

10. I can no longer keep my ferret what can I do with it?

If you can't keep your ferret, please do not release it into the wild where it will most certainly die a horrible death, call your local animal control office, a shelter, or Massachusetts Ferret Friends at 781-224-1098 or email them abandoning an animal outside is against the law.

11. Can ferrets live in the wild?

No, ferrets have been domesticated for over 1000 years and cannot survive in the wild for more than a few days.

12. Do ferrets need to be vaccinated for rabies?

Yes they do, same as dogs and cats.

13. Do ferrets get along with other animals?

While ferrets get along great with cats and dogs under supervision, they can do serious harm to birds, rabbits, and other small pets.

14. I am thinking of buying a Ferret where can I buy one?

We suggest you adopt your Ferret from a rescue agency where you can save a life, email the Massachusetts Ferret Friends or call the hotline at 781-224-1098.

15. What do I need to know to make a complaint?

Document information such as time of the incident, person committing the act (description of person, if identity is unknown) exact location (such as proper address of where the animal lives or license plate of vehicle being driven) and as much information about the animal being abused (breed, color, size, where it is kept).

If the life of an animal is in immediate danger contact the local police at once Dartmouth Police 508-910-1735.

16. How do I know if the animal is being abused?

Mass General Laws provide for the basic necessities of an animal. Food water, and shelter are among the most common concerns, as well as actual physical abuse.

17. How do I know if my neighbor is abusing their animal?

If you believe an animal is being abused, there are a few simple steps you can take in order to help.

• You can call us at 508-910-1840 If you email us a complaint please call also. Leave a message there is no office personnel.
• Call the Animal Rescue League of Boston Law Enforcement Department 617-426-9170, ext. 110
• Call the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 800-628-5808

18. What do I do if I fall down?

Remember; quiet, still, no staring. If you are down and the dogs seems to want to bite you, slowly curl into a ball and fold your hands behind your neck.

19. How do I approach a dog?

Walk up to the dog from the side, not the back or directly in front.

Hold out your knuckle and let him sniff your hand, this method keeps your fingers protected. That's how dogs tell who you are by sniffing. Pat him under his chin or on the side. Never pat a dog by coming down over the top of his head or the back of his neck because it is threatening. Practice by patting your pet dog correctly.

20. What do I do if an unfriendly dog approaches me?

Do not run, scream or talk. Just stand still and be quiet. Don't look directly at the dog, even if he comes up to sniff you. You can look at his tail or his foot, but don't look into his eyes. In dog language, that is a threat. Remember; quiet, still, no staring. Most likely the dog will lose interest once he looks you over. Then you can slowly move away.

21. If I am in my yard and a strange dog walks past my house, can I go and pat him?

No, the only time you should pat a dog you don't know is if you have permission. So, if a person and a dog are walking past your house and you want to pat the dog, ask permission.

22. How do I avoid being bitten?

Points to remember:

• Never go into someone else's yard to pat a dog.
• Never try to pat a dog that is chained up.
• Don't reach through a car window to pat a dog.
• Even if the dog is one that you know and who likes you, he may not recognize you. So stay away unless you have the owner's permission.

The safe way to meet a strange dog:

• Stand quietly with your arms at your sides.
• Do not shout at the dog.
• Do not wave your arms, grab at the dog or run away.
• If a dog looks frightened or angry, leave it alone.
• Do not look straight into the dog's eyes.

23. If I am bitten, what do I need to do?

You should seek medical attention immediately. Animal bites should be taken care of immediately due to infection and possible rabies treatment.

24. How could I keep my child safe from being bitten?

You can prevent children from being bitten by:

• Keeping children away from dogs or cats that are eating
• Keeping children away from strange and stray animals
• Keeping them away from sick or injured animals
• Not allowing children to take a toy or ball from an animal that is playing with it

25. What should I do to protect my animal from wild life?

To prevent your pet from being bitten by another animal, keep pets under control at all times and in the house at night.

26. A wild animal bit my animal, what do I need to do?

Take your pet to a veterinarian within 24 hours. If the attacker is at risk for rabies, for example, a raccoon, skunk, woodchuck, fox, or bat, handle your pet with gloves and wash any area, which may have saliva from the attacker on it.

27. What are the different types of barking?

Greeting Barking: If your dog barks at people coming to the door, at people or dogs walking by the property, at people or dogs he sees on walks, and at people or dogs he sees through the fence - and the barking is accompanied by whining, tail wagging, and other signs of friendliness - your dog is barking to say hello. He may very likely bark in the same manner when family members come home.

What To Do: Keep greetings low key. Teach the dog to sit and stay when meeting people at the door so he has something to do aside from barking. This should reduce his excitement. If your dog likes toys, keep a favorite toy near the front door and encourage your dog to pick up the toy before he greets you or guests. If the dog learns to hold a toy in his mouth, he's less inclined to bark. He will likely still whine, though. On walks, teach your dog to walk calmly past people and dogs without greeting them. To do this, follow the Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 3.

Play Barking: Some dogs are particularly noisy when they play with people or with other dogs. If you have multiple dogs and they like to bark while they play, put them outside so they don't bother you. If they bother the neighbors, bring them inside and separate them during times when you can't tolerate the barking. Encourage the dogs to play with toys so they have something in their mouths. If your dog barks while playing with you, simply play different games-if he barks while wrestling with you, teach him to play tug-of-war or fetch games. It's unfair to expect dogs not to play, so make arrangements for your dog to play (and bark) at times when it won't disturb people.

28. What steps can I take to keep my dog from barking?

Prevent the dog from being exposed to the things that trigger him to bark. You should block access to windows, and cover them so he can't see out. Play background music to mask outside sounds, change the sound of your doorbell, and bring him in from the yard whenever he barks.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 1: If the dog continues to bark despite your efforts to block his exposure to things, teach him that when someone comes to the door or passes by the property, he is permitted to bark until you say "Quiet." Allow him to bark 3-4 times, say "Quiet," (avoid shouting), go to the dog and gently hold his muzzle closed with your hand and repeat "Quiet," call him away from the door or window, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. If he stays beside you and remains quiet, continue to give him frequent treats for the next few minutes (until the stimulus is gone). If he resumes barking right away, repeat the sequence. Go through the same steps if the dog is barking at passersby from the yard.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 2: If the above procedure is ineffective after 10-20 attempts, allow the dog to bark 3-4 times, say "Quiet" (avoid shouting), and make a startling noise by shaking an empty soda can filled with pennies or a set of keys. He should react to the sound by stopping what he's doing. Call him away from the door or window, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. If he stays beside you and remains quiet, continue to give him frequent treats for the next few minutes (until the stimulus is gone). If he resumes barking right away, repeat the sequence. If this doesn't work after 10-20 attempts, you will need to seek assistance from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinary Behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 3: If the dog barks at people and other dogs during walks, distract the dog with special treats before he begins to bark. Show the dog the treats by holding them in front if his nose (soft treats are best) and encourage him to nibble at the treats while he is walking along, past the person or dog who would normally cause him to bark. Some dogs do best if you ask them to sit as the person/dog passes by, while other dogs prefer to keep moving. Make sure you praise and reward the dog with treats every time he elects not to bark. - It may help to have the dog wear a head halter during occasions when the dog is likely to bark (on walks, in the home, etc.). Your dog should only wear the halter when you can supervise him. A halter can have a distracting and/or calming effect, and make him less likely to bark. Make sure you reward him for not barking. - If the dog is engaging in territorial barking primarily in the yard, keep the dog in the house during the day and supervise him when he is in the yard. - If the dog is engaging in territorial barking in the car, teach the dog to ride in a crate while in the car. This restricts the dog's view and may reduce his motivation to bark. If this is not feasible, try having the dog wear a head halter.

29. I am a dog owner. Why does my dog excessively bark?

Excessive barking is nothing new. Dogs appear to enjoy barking, and they do so for various reasons. They bark when they want something, when they say "hello," when they are having fun, when they are startled or alarmed, when they are defending their territory or threatening someone, when they are frustrated, and when they hear other dogs barking. Unfortunately, a dog who barks incessantly can drive the family crazy-and disturb the entire neighborhood.

Many owners can identify why their dog is barking, just by hearing the specific bark. If you want to reduce your dog's barking, it is imperative to determine the dog's reason for barking. Understand that it usually takes time to teach a dog to bark less. It is not realistic to expect a quick fix or to expect that the dog will stop barking altogether. Your goal should be to decrease the amount of barking. Bear in mind that some dogs are more prone to barking than others. In addition, some breeds are known as "barkers," and it may be more difficult to decrease barking in individuals of these breeds.

The most common reasons why dogs bark:

• Territorial or protective defense
• Distress vocalizations due to fear or separation anxiety
• Excitement or greeting
• During play
• To gain attention or to make requests
• Frustration
• Socially facilitated barking (hearing other dogs bark)
• Compulsive behavior

30. Is there a fine or a law against a barking dog?

Yes! The town has a by-law that allows for a citation of $25 per incident with regards to barking. Animal Control must issue a warning first, then each subsequent offense is $25. After 5 offenses, the officer can bring the dog owner before the hearing officer for a hearing. The Mass General Law's state that a nuisance by reason of excessive barking or other disturbance maybe considered a nuisance. Complainants can also file a complaint in Third District Court on their own behalf.

31. How about if my neighbor's dog is barking after hours who do I call?

You can call the Dartmouth Police at 508-910-1735. Be sure to tell them your name, and if you have spoken to Animal Control in the past, be sure to let them know this. The Standard Operating procedure is that the area car will be sent to investigate and if the dog is found to be barking, they will try to contact the owner to quiet the dog. Then the officer should file a report informing the Animal Control Department of the findings. We will then further investigate your complaint and issue any citations that are appropriate.

32. Will you have to tell the dog owner who reported the complaint?

No! It's against the law to divulge the name of the complainant. It's very important to us to know the complainant, at times it helps to speed up the process.

33. My neighbors dog constantly barks and is a nuisance to our neighborhood, what could we do?

A barking dog complaint is one of the most time consuming and intense investigations Animal Control does. It takes time and help from the complainant to end this problem, some complaints take one week to sometimes six months. Every complaint is different in some way.

34. Is there any help for spaying and neutering my animal?

Yes, there are a lot of veterinary hospitals that offer low cost programs. You could also contact some low cost clinics to seek their programs. The state of Massachusetts has a license plate program to help pet owners with spay/ neuter. Learn more on the Your Car Tells the World How You Feel About Animals website.

35. Why should I neuter my dog?

• Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate cancer.
• Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights and cause neighborhood nuisances.

36. What are the shelter estimates?

• Number of animals entering shelters each year: 6 to 8 million.
• Number of animals euthanized by shelters each year: 3 to 4 million.
• Number of animals adopted from shelters each year: 3 to 4 million.
• Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000. 30% of dogs and 2 to 5% of cats entering shelters.

37. What is the average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year?

Two.

Lets do some quick math:

• Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6 to 10 puppies.
• In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce: 67,000 dogs.

38. I have a problem with feral cats, what can I do?

• If you are a feeder and need help to trap/neuter/release call and leave your name, address and telephone number, along with an approximate number of cats and kittens you are feeding. Animal Control with call you back and direct you to the proper agency that can help you.
• If you do not feed cats but have an issue with a neighbor who is feeding, call and leave the above information as well as the neighbors name and Animal Control will address the issue.

Animal Control will not go out and trap cats from properties for removal and euthanasia. If the property owner wants cats removed, they must notify Animal Control of their intentions and Animal Control will explain the proper procedure in which to follow.

39. Why should I spay my dog/cat?

• Spaying helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.

40. How much does the dog license cost?

• For an unsprayed or unneutered dog the license cost is $20.00 a year.
• For a neutered or spayed dog the license fee is only $12.00 a year.
• A late fee of $5.00 per month is assessed every month after May 1st.

41. I work all day and can't get to Town hall to license my dog. Is there a way I could get this done?

Yes, you could license your dog by mail, just send in a copy of your Rabies certificate, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope, payable to the Town of Dartmouth. 

Mail to: 
Town Clerk
400 Slocum Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747

or you may drop it off in the silver box in front of the town hall.

42. What is the citation for not having a licensed dog?

The violation for an unlicensed dog is $25 per violation. The owner or keeper can be cited for the violation every day until the dog is licensed.

43. My dog never leaves my property, does it need a license?

The Massachusetts General Laws state that all dogs by the age of three months must be licensed at their city or town hall.

44. What is the citation for not having a vaccinated dog?

The violation of keeping an unvaccinated dog is $50 dollars. The owner or keeper can be cited every ten days for the violation.

45. My dog stays in the house, does he need to be vaccinated?

The Massachusetts General Laws state that by the age of six months all dogs must be vaccinated.

46. My dog stays outside, does he need anything?

All animals that stay outside need proper shelter, food, and water. The shelter, preferably a dog house, must be of adequate size to allow the dog to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Cold garages, cars, or three-sided shelters are not adequate shelter. Placing hay or straw inside the dog house is better than a blanket, as the blanket will not dry out like hay/straw.

47. I am thinking of buying a dog, where can I buy one?

We suggest you adopt your dog from a rescue agency or shelter save a dogs life. "Adopt don't Shop".

48. I have contacted my neighbors and it's not their cat, now what do I do?

You may contact your local animal control to pick up the cat if it is friendly, or contact Habitat for Cats at 508-961-2287, they will work with you on trapping the cat.

49. I have a stray cat in my yard, what do I do?

Contact your neighbors, it may be a new cat in the neighborhood or a neighbor's cat that just got out.

50. If I put a collar on my cat will it injure it? What about microchips?

Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat, but a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged. Microchips are placed just under the skin and are a forever form of I.D.

51. Do cats need to wear a collar and tags? What about microchips?

An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home, 2 to 5% of cats in shelter get claimed by their owner. Microchipping is the best and newest way of making sure your cat gets home safely.

52. Is it true that cats aren't happy unless they can go outside to roam and hunt?

Cats like to play, prowl, pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier - and safer and live longer!

53. Why should I spay & neuter my cat?

There are just not enough homes each day thousands of cats are put to death in Massachusetts.

Let's do some quick math:

• An average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
• Average number of kittens in a litter: 4 to 6
• In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

54. I am thinking of buying a cat/kitten, where can I buy one?

We suggest you adopt your cat from a rescue agency or a shelter where you can save a life. The cost associated with a purchase and then vet care will be a lot more than an actual adoption of a fixed healthy cat or kitten.

55. What are the hours of the Dartmouth Animal Control Department?

There is an Animal Control Officer on duty 7 days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm After hour calls in regards to for emergencies should be referred to the Dartmouth Police at 508-910-1735.

Emergencies such as sick/injured animal no known owner, viscous dog, suspect rabid animal, dog restrained unable to hold until officer returns to duty.

56. Every time I call the office I get a voicemail, why isn't anyone at the office?

The Dartmouth Animal Control Department personnel consists of one full time animal control officer, and one part time (14 hours a week) officer. This means there is only one officer on duty at any given time for the entire town. If you get the voicemail please leave a detailed message and the ACO that is on will return your call as soon as possible. If the call is for an injured animal, animals in distress, or emergency please call the Dartmouth Police Dispatch at 508-910-1735 as well as leaving a message on the A.C.O. voicemail.