Animal Control / Dog Officer

If you have any concerns regarding a potentially rabid animal, dog bites, nuisance animals, etc you should call the Monterey Police Dispatch at 528-3211. The Monterey Police will then be dispatched and the scene will be assessed.

If you are reporting or needing assistance with a non-domestic wildlife problem, for instance a nest of squirrels or bats in your attic, you will need to call a Problem Animal Control agent or commercial trapper for assistance.

As a reminder, the Monterey Bylaws, Article XII Sections 1-5 state:

Vaccination Requirements: All owners/keepers of dogs and cats are required to keep current the rabies vaccination of their dogs and cats. Those who fail to maintain a current rabies vaccination will be subject to a fine of $50. Licensing Requirements: All owners/keepers of dogs are required to license their dogs, presenting proof of valid vaccination against rabies to the Town Clerk. (License period shall be April 1 to March 31, both dates inclusive)  Penalty for violation will be $25.

Dogs Under Owner’s Control:  All owners are required to keep their dogs under the owner’s control at all times.  A first-offense violation shall be subject to a penalty of $25. A second-offense violation shall be subject to a penalty of $50.  A third or subsequent violation shall be subject to a penalty of $300.

Nuisances: Any person who: 1) Is the owner/keeper of any dog who shall be found by an Animal Control Officer to have defecated on private property other than that of its owner/keeper or on a public way or on public lands without removal of fecal material: or 2) Is the owner/keeper of any dog who intentionally allows such animal to cause a nuisance by barking, howling or otherwise disturb another person’s right to peace shall be subject to the following penalties:  A first-offense violation shall be subject to a penalty of $25.  A second-offense violation shall be subject to a penalty of $50. A third or subsequent violation shall be subject to a penalty of $100.

Non-Criminal Disposition/Disclaimer Clause:  All penalties set forth hereinbefore shall be paid to the Town Clerk within twenty-one (21) days of notice of the offense. These bylaws shall be enforced by the Select Board through the Dog Officer or Police Officer of the Town of Monterey and shall be administered by MGL Chapter 40, Section 21D, on a non-criminal disposition.

Nothing contained within these bylaws shall limit or restrict any enforcement officer to seek criminal disposition of any violation of state or federal law.