In others, goats and sheep may not be permitted. Therefore, it's strongly encouraged that you check with your local zoning office or animal control before keeping goats or sheep in your backyard. You can have backyard goats or sheep in the following Massachusetts municipalities.
Boston, MA
In Boston, Massachusetts, goats and sheep are classified as farm animals, the keeping of which requires a permit. According to Boston's municipal code, you may not keep any farm animals in the city without first obtaining a permit from the Division of Health Inspections, Inspectional Services Department. According to the city code, you should not allow any odor from your animals to so escape your premises as to disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the property of another.
Cambridge, MA
The keeping of goats or sheep is technically legal in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Per Title 6, Sec. 6.04.070 of Cambridge's municipal code, "No person having the care of any goats or sheep shall permit or suffer the same to go at large or to graze on any street." For specific information, contact Cambridge Animal Commission at Phone: 617-349-4376 | Fax: 617-349-4726 or visit their website.
Lowell, MA
You can have goats in the city of Lowell, but not without first obtaining a license from the Board of Health. Goats can and only be kept in such place and manner as the Board of Health may direct, according to the city's Code of Ordinances. The keeping of sheep isn't permitted under the city code.
Brockton, MA
In Brockton, MA, a license is required for the keeping of domestic farm animals, including goats and sheep. The license, which costs $30 for three years, does not require you to notify neighboring property owners, according to the city's Department of Planning and Economic Development, which said your site plan can be drawn by hand. To raise one goat or sheep, you may be required to have at least one acre of land.
Lynnfield, MA
The Town of Lynnfield allows residents to own goats and sheep with a permit, which can be obtained from the Board of Health. The permit, which expires annually on December 31, may be revoked by the Board at any time for cause, according to the Town's animal ordinance. Under the ordinance, you're required to keep your animal pen or enclosure clean and free from decaying food, filth, dirt, and stagnant water.
New Bedford, MA
In New Bedford, MA, you can have pet goats or sheep as long as you see to it that they don't go at large. Per Chapter 4, Sec. 4-4 of New Bedford's municipal code, no goat or sheep owner should allow or suffer their animals to go at large or graze in any street or public place, or go upon any sidewalk in any street or public place.
Newton, MA
The keeping of goats and sheep is allowed in Newton, Massachusetts. But before engaging in the practice, you need to apply to the Newton Health Department for a license. The license, which may be issued for two years, expires on September 30th and is not transferable. All animal shelters or stables should be situated 200 feet from the high water mark of any known source of drinking water supply or 50 feet from any well.
Framingham, MA
A "Keeping of Animals Permit" is required to own goats and sheep in Framingham, Massachusetts. According to Framingham's Animal Regulations, a minimum of 0.2 – 0.3 acres of pasture area is required for each goat or sheep. Additionally, a minimum of 50 feet of exercise yard is required for each goat or sheep. As a goat or sheep keeper in Framingham, your property is subject to inspections by the Department and Animal Control. Refusing to cooperate with inspections by the Department may result in the suspension of your Permit.
South Hadley, MA
A Stable and Livestock Permit from the Board of Health is required to own goats and sheep in the Town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. Under the permit, which expires annually on March 31, you're required to keep your goat or sheep enclosure clean, free from odors and decaying food, according to the Town's Livestock Regulations.
Taunton, MA
Sheep and goats which may be kept as pets or for personal use only in the Town of Taunton, Massachusetts. The Town's Animal Ordinance requires that all animal pens or enclosures be situated at least 10 feet from property lines and 300 feet from any dwelling. For each sheep or goat, a fenced-in grazing or exercise area of 200 square feet is required.
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