LYNN — The City Council is moving to update decades-old animal control penalties after concerns that the current fines are too low to deter violations.
During Tuesday evening’s Council discussion on an ordinance to modernize the City’s fee schedule, Councilor Brian LaPierre said the existing $25 fines for animal-related violations have proven ineffective.
“Our understanding of this ordinance, and correct us if we’re wrong, is that we’re trying to increase the amount of fees on a lot of things that haven’t been updated for decades,” LaPierre said while opening the discussion.
An animal control representative said the current penalties have failed to discourage repeat offenders.
“Unfortunately, the fines are only $25, and that’s across the board for any animal related fine,” one official said. “What we’ve found over the last five to six years is that it’s just not enough to make an impact. Most people, when you encounter them, you tell them what the fine’s going to be. They don’t care.”
The representative said violators often dismiss the penalties outright.
The ordinance raises fines for a range of common violations, including unleashed dogs, public sanitation issues such as dog waste, and failing to follow quarantine rules after an animal bite.
In some cases, the increases are significant. For example, failure to restrain a dog would carry escalating penalties: $150 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $300 for a third offense.
Failure to obtain a rabies vaccination would result in a $100 fine, while failing to license a dog would rise to $50.
LaPierre pointed to a recent incident as an example of why stricter penalties are needed.
“Last year, on Chestnut Street, there were a couple pit bulls that got loose, and they were unleashed,” LaPierre said. “We’re lucky that those two pit bulls, they were cornered in a yard, and a young boy was there. But nothing happened, thankfully.”
LaPierre added that the goal is both deterrence and public safety.
The ordinance also touches on other animal issues in the city, including the prohibition of roosters. The animal control representative acknowledged enforcement can be difficult.
“There are no roosters allowed in the city,” he said. “Being able to pinpoint exactly where they’re coming from is not an easy task, so I do rely on the public.”
He added, “We’ll let the people know that they have to get rid of the rooster. Usually we’ll give them 24 to 48 hours to get rid of it. And if they don’t, then they would be cited based on the ordinance.”
Questions also arose about who has the authority to enforce the rules. Under the ordinance, enforcement is handled by animal control officers and the police department.
Council members also discussed outreach to ensure residents understand the new requirements.
Councilor Brian Field proposed a 30-day grace period before the increased penalty for failing to license a dog takes effect.
The motion, including the grace period amendment, passed unanimously by roll call vote. After approval by the mayor and publication of the ordinance, all fine updates will take effect.
Residents seeking assistance or reporting animal issues can contact the police department’s non-emergency line at 781-595-2000 or reach the animal control office directly at 781-477-4385.
