The Animal Control Officer provides domestic animal control services to the Community. The Animal Control Officer enforces Town Granby General By-Laws (available in the resources section below) as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts animal control laws under M.G.L Chapter 140 Section 136A through 174F. The Animal Control Officer responds to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, injured animals, and other requests for service. Granby MA ACOs are certified through the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) Certification Course.
Please note that it is the law to rabies vaccinate and keep the vaccination status current for your dog, cat or ferret. You are also required to license your dog annually in the State of Massachusetts. For licensing your dog and for additional local dog regulations, please visit the Town Clerk webpage.
If there is a deceased animal in the road or in the tree belt, call Police Dispatch at (413) 467-9222
If you need to report an emergency regarding a domestic animal, contact Police Dispatch at (413) 467-9222 or 911
Examples of Domestic Animal Emergency: Aggressive Dog, Abandoned Domestic Animal, Domestic Animal Bite/ Attack, Animal exhibiting erratic behavior, or suspected to be rabid
Problem Wildlife on Public Property
If you observe problem wildlife on public property, call Police Dispatch at (413) 467-9222
Examples of Problem Wildlife
Aggressive coyotes
Bee colonies on playground equipment
Aggressive geese/ turkeys
Problem Wildlife on Private Property
Municipal employees do not have the legal authority to address problem wildlife on private property. If you encounter problem wildlife on your property, you should contact a problem animal control agent. Find problem animal control agents.
Examples of Problem Wildlife on Private Property
Bee colonies
Racoons in the attic/ porch
Bats in the attic
Ground hogs under sheds
Skunks digging in gardens
If you have been bit by a wild animal or located a bat in your home please contact your local health department regarding rabies exposure and testing.
The Animal Control Officer does not have the legal authority to respond to, move or otherwise interact with sick or injured wildlife.
If you see sick injured or orphaned wildlife, Granby Ma Animal Control is not licensed to rehabilitate. It is almost always best to leave the wild animal alone, even if you find a young animal that seems weak or orphaned. Wild animals are protected by law. It is illegal to take an animal from the wild to care for or keep as a pet. If you determine that an animal is in need of care, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Find a wildlife rehabilitator.
If you need to speak with the Animal Control officer regarding a non-emergency domestic animal concern, contact the Animal Control Officer non emergency number (413) 575-1994
Examples of Non-Emergency Calls:
Dogs/Cats, Lost Pet, Catch or pick up stray and or injured dogs, Return to owner (if known) or impound, Issue warning letters, citations, and/or fines when appropriate, Questions about pet vaccination requirements, Investigate complaints from the public and respond to each complaint according to the merit of the situation, Work with the Animal Inspector (link) on any suspected, rabies exposure or other suspected infectious disease, Animal cruelty, Unlicensed cats/dogs