Department Details

THOMAS DECHELLIS
Director of Animal Control

Phone

508-580-7835

Email

[email protected]

Address

446 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Office Hours

7 AM to 11 PM Daily; 7 to 11 AM Holidays

Records Access Officer

[email protected]

Additional Links

Important Documents

New Animal Adoption Application

Animal Control

The Animal Control Department's primary mission is to:

Protect the safety of the public and animals.
Ensure compliance with city, state and federal laws governing animals.
Educate and promote responsible pet ownership.
Provide temporary housing and care of animals.
Reunite missing pets with owners and re-home unclaimed animals.

The Department is a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. and holidays from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Staffed by eight full-time employees; the Director, six Animal Control Officers and one Kennel Attendant. After regular operational hours, an Animal Control Officer is 'On Call' to respond to emergency situations. The Department of Animal Control falls under the 'umbrella' of the Police Department.

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are licensed by the Elections Commission

A license is active from May 1st to April 30th of the following year.

Services

Animal Shelter

In addition to responding to 'calls for service,' the department operates its own shelter. The facility can house up to sixteen dogs and six cats. The staff responds and deals with an average of 8,500 calls per year and impounds approximately 350 animals.

Most animals are claimed by their owners within 1-3 days. Those unclaimed are behaviorally evaluated by staff members and if found to be adoptable (not aggressive or having severe medical issues), are placed for adoption or transferred to other animal rescue organizations.

Domestic Animals

Domestic animal calls usually involve dogs. The complaints range from animal waste and leash law violations to excessive barking, dog bites, sick or injured strays and animal cruelty.

Issues involving cats (both domestic and feral) are increasing every day. Although the law doesn't address cat issues to the same degree as dogs, we respond to the following problems: cats (stray or feral) that are sick or injured, aggressive cats, cat bites and animal cruelty.

Wildlife

While Animal Control primarily responds to domestic animal issues, we also handle a limited number of wildlife problems. The department only responds to wildlife situations when the animal is sick, injured, deceased (on a public way) or posing an immediate threat to public safety. Under state law, Animal Control Officers are prohibited from trapping and removing nuisance animals from private property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do with a stray dog?

Residents are advised not to take in stray dogs because the dog’s medical history and temperament are unknown. If you find a stray dog, state law requires you to contact the Police or Animal Control within forty-eight hours of possession.

Does Animal Control house stray dogs?

Yes, the Animal Control Department maintains its own facility. Under City Ordinance, impounded animals are held for a minimum of ten days unless claimed by the owner.

Does Animal Control adopt unclaimed animals?

Yes, adoptable animals are adopted out or transferred to other state approved shelters or rescue groups.

Where do I license my dog?

The Elections Commission office issues dog licenses. Licenses are due annually; license period is May 1st through April 30th. A valid license and rabies tag must be worn by the animal at all times.

Is there a leash law in Brockton?

Yes, whenever the animal is off the owner or keeper’s premises, the dog needs to be under restraint as defined in Chapter 3, Brockton, MA Code of Ordinances.

Does Brockton have an animal waste ordinance?

Yes, the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible to pick up the animal's feces from public or private property of others.

Does Animal Control pick up stray or feral cats?

No, feral or free-roaming cats are not subject to the leash law.

Does Animal Control dispose of dead animals?

Animal Control Officers only remove deceased animals from public ways.

Will Animal Control remove a wild animal from my property?

Animal Control Officers are only allowed to remove wildlife from private property if the animal is found to be sick, injured or posing an immediate threat to public safety. If it is a nuisance situation, you can hire a pest control service or exterminator to deal with the issue. Residents are also allowed to use humane methods to remedy the problem.

Follow us on Facebook

Other Organizations

The MSPCA-Angell

For spaying and neutering information, along with other resources for pet owners, visit the MSPCA-Angell here.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston

For information on how to help animals in need of rescuing or veterinary treatment as well as community programs that promote education about pet health, behavior, care and services; visit the Animal Rescue League here.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources – Division of Animal Health

For information about inspections, licensing, awareness and education about domestic animals; visit the MDAR Animal Health Division here.

City of Brockton Dog License Application
Uploaded: September 25, 2018 at 9:48 am
Animal Control – New Animal Adoption Application
Uploaded: October 2, 2018 at 1:49 pm