on September 10, 2026

Massachusetts Dog Poop Laws

Quick answer: Massachusetts has no statewide pooper scooper law. Picking up after your dog is regulated city by city, and all three of the largest cities we checked have an ordinance requiring it. The highest set ticket among them is $50, in Boston.

Why Massachusetts leaves it to cities

Massachusetts has no statewide law requiring people to pick up after their dogs. The state dog law (M.G.L. c. 140, §§ 136A to 174F) covers licensing, nuisance and dangerous dogs, and similar matters, and § 173 lets each city or town 'make additional ordinances or by-laws relative to the licensing and control of animals not inconsistent with' those sections. Pick-up rules and leash rules therefore come from local ordinances. All three of the largest cities can enforce their rules by 'noncriminal disposition' (a ticket) under M.G.L. c. 40, § 21D, which caps any such ticket at $300 per violation.

  • Local authority to adopt animal control ordinances and by-laws: M.G.L. c. 140, § 173 (read it)
  • Noncriminal disposition of ordinance violations; $300 ceiling: M.G.L. c. 40, § 21D (read it)

Pooper scooper laws in Massachusetts's largest cities

Each row comes from the city's own municipal code. "Up to" is the most a court can impose, not a standard ticket. Where a city publishes no amount, we say so rather than estimate one.

City Ordinance Fine Must carry a bag
Boston City of Boston Code 16-1.10A, Dog Fouling $50 Yes
Worcester Worcester Revised Ordinances of 2008, c. 8, § 13(a)(9) (Duties of Dog Owners); penalty under c. 8, § 14(b) $50 No
Springfield Springfield City Code § 110-11, Animal waste $50 Yes

The rule people miss: carrying the bag

In Boston and Springfield, the law does not just require you to pick up. It requires you to be carrying something to pick up with, so walking out without a bag can be an offense on its own even if your dog never goes.

A bag holder on the leash solves that for good. Ours is the Walk Dispenser, which clips on and holds a full roll.

Worth knowing about Massachusetts

  • Boston exempts anyone over 65 who is walking a licensed dog from both the pick-up and the bag-carry requirement (16-1.10A(F)). We have not seen an age-based exemption in any other large city.
  • Springfield publishes a full escalating schedule, $50, then $100, then $300, which tops out at the $300 ceiling Massachusetts allows for noncriminal tickets under M.G.L. c. 40, § 21D.
  • In Worcester, three violations of the dog-owner duties within two years cost the owner the dog license itself, plus a one-year ban on getting a new one (c. 8, § 14(b)). Worcester also bars dogs, other than registered service dogs, from city parks, cemeteries, and playgrounds except parks designated for on-leash use.
  • Boston and Springfield require carrying a bag or other removal tool whenever you are out with your dog; Worcester does not.

Common questions

Is it illegal to not pick up dog poop in Massachusetts?

There is no statewide law, but every one of the largest cities we checked has a pickup rule, and most smaller towns have similar ordinances. Check your own city or county code.

How much is the fine for not picking up dog poop in Massachusetts?

It depends on the city. Boston: $50. Worcester: $50. Springfield: $50.

Do I have to carry a poop bag in Massachusetts?

In Boston and Springfield, yes. The ordinance requires you to have a means of removal with you while walking your dog.

Are service dog handlers exempt?

In Boston, the ordinance exempts handlers who have a disability and cannot physically pick up. The exemption covers the handler, not the dog.

Other states in the Northeast

New York · Pennsylvania · New Jersey · Connecticut · New Hampshire · Maine · Rhode Island · Vermont

See all 50 states · How scoop laws work in general

Sources

Checked 2026-09-10. Ordinances change, so if you are dealing with an actual citation, read the current code at the link rather than relying on this page.

This page is general information, not legal advice.