New Fees and Penalties Set for Braintree Dog Licensing

Based on a state law that took effect last fall, Braintree has new dog licensing regulations that include stiffer penalties for violations such having a dog off leash and a re-formatted fee structure that takes into account spaying and neutering.

The Town Council unanimously approved the update to Braintree's animal ordinance Tuesday night.

The most significant change that will effect dog owners will be the institution of a multi-layered licensing fee structure. Right now in Braintree, the annual license costs $10. The new rules impose a $15 for "intact" dogs, $10 for spayed or neutered dogs, no charge for service animals and $5 for a substitute tag.

Licenses for the town's 2,200 registered dogs expire at the end of March. Renewal beings April 1 and ends June 30. Failure to license within that period will prompt a $50 penalty paid to the Town Clerk. That is up from $15 under the previous ordinance.

Additional penalties apply to violations such as feeding wild animals, not cleaning up dog feces, complaints against unresponsive owners, not confining a female dog in heat and not having a dog on a leash.

Previously, fines for such offenses began at $25 for a first offense, went to $35 for a second and $50 for third and subsequent offense.

Now, as required under the new state law, the first offense penalty is $50, second is $75 and third and subsequent offenses cost $100 each for those committed during a calendar year. These rules are enforced by the Animal Control Officer and Braintree Police Department and fines are paid to the Town Treasurer/Collector.

"The message we're trying to tell folks is to take care of your dogs and keep them on a leash," Councilor Sean Powers said.