Department Details
THOMAS DECHELLIS
Director of Animal Control
Phone
Address
446 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 7 am - 7 pm; Weekends and Holidays, 7 am - 3 pm
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 week days from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 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
DO YOU KNOW ME?
I've been spotted in and around the Calvary Cemetery on N. Cary St. She is very nervous, Please call Animal Control 508-580-7835. Do not approach.
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
'THOMAS' still has not been reunited with his family and is still out there wandering. He's been out since Sunday morning, he's tired scared and hungry. Please check behind shed/garages and wooded areas.
HAVE YOU SEEN ME? LAST SPOTTED IN W.BRIDGEWATER AND HAS NOW TRAVELED BACK INTO BROCKTON MOVING FAST NOW N. MAIN ST AREAS
PLEASE DO NOT CHASE, HE IS TIRED AND SCARED
My name is 'Thomas' and I got out yesterday (10/4) morning, I was last spotted in the area of N. Warren Ave and Spring St
Please call the City of Brockton Animal Control 508-580-7835
41 CommentsComment on Facebook
For the second consecutive year Brockton Animal Control has been recognized for our high percentage release rate, over 90%!
What this means is that 90% of the animals brought into our shelter either make it back home or are adopted out to new families. Regardless of breed, age or size; our team does the best we can for any animal that comes through our doors.
24 CommentsComment on Facebook
Other Organizations
The MSPCA-Angell
For spaying and neutering information, along with other resources for pet owners, visit the MSPCA-Angell Website.
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 Website.
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 Website.