Town of Sharon, MA Article 26 Animals and Control of Zoonotic Diseases

[Adopted 9-13-2004; amended in its entirety 5-18-2016]

§ 300-26.1 Authority.

This regulation is promulgated under the authority granted to the Board of Health under MGL c. 111, § 31.

§ 300-26.2 Intent.

The intent of this regulation is to protect the public health and welfare by preventing the transmission of infectious zoonotic diseases by animals, including dogs and other pets to humans.

§ 300-26.3 Requirements and restrictions.

A. All persons who own, possess, or control a dog or other pet must remove and dispose of any animal waste left by their dog or other pet on any sidewalk, gutter, street, or other public area in the Town of Sharon or on any private property neither owned nor occupied by said person.

B. Persons walking dogs must keep the animals under leash or voice control as appropriate, and must carry with them a device to remove and dispose of dog feces (e.g., plastic bags, scoops, etc.).

C. No dogs, horses or other pets are allowed on Sharon beaches at any time from April 15 to October 15, of each year. No dogs, or other pets, are allowed to swim in beach water at any time during the year. Dogs or other pets will be allowed on the designated pathway on Memorial Beach from October 15 to April 15, and must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets may board boats at the boating docks at Memorial Beach only.

D. Service animals providing a specific service with respect to an illness, condition or disability may be allowed on Sharon beaches consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and MGL c. 272, § 98A. All service animals shall use the designated pet relief area at the beach, if one is provided. Service dog waste must be removed from all beach areas and disposed of properly as described in Subsections A and B.

E. Permanent signage stating the prohibition of dogs and other pets on Town beaches will be placed at the entrances and other sites on the beaches.

§ 300-26.4 Enforcement; violations and penalties; severability.

A. Violation of this regulation shall result in a fine of $25 for the first violation, $50 for the second violation, and $100 for the third and each subsequent violation within a calendar year, as specified under Chapter 1, Article I, of the General Bylaws.

B. Enforcement of this regulation may be carried out by any designated agent of the Board of Health, including the Animal Control Officer, any police officer, the Sharon Conservation Commission, members of the Lake Management Committee, or other Board of Health agent.

C. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this article or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this article which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this article are declared to be severable.