HomeMy Public PortalAboutPets Banned From Public Ponds, Landings & Tidal FlatsTOWN OF BREWSTER
2198 MAIN STREET
BREWSTER, MA 02631
PHONE: (508) 896-3701 EXT 1120
FAX: (508) 896-4538
BRHEALTH@BREWSTER-MA.GOV
WWW.BREWSTER-MA.GOV
OFFICE OF
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
PETS BANNED FROM PUBLIC PONDS, LANDINGS, BEACHES
and TIDAL FLATS
In accordance with Chapter 111, Section 31 of the General Laws, the Brewster Board of Health
as of this date adopts the following regulation in conjunction with the Animal Waste Regulation:
I. Purpose. The Brewster Board of Health finds that numerous residents and visitors to
the Town of Brewster walk their dogs on or near public ponds, landings, beaches and
tidal flats in increasing numbers during the seasonal months; and the Board of Health
further finds that the failure to clean up after said dogs and to properly dispose of their
waste presents a threat to the public health.
II. Definitions.
1. Beach-the area above the mean high water line of any Town-owned salt or fresh water
body and the surrounding town-owned land, including parking areas.
2. Landing-structure providing a place where boats can land people or goods.
3. Pets-any of various animals adopted by humans so as to live and breed in a tame
condition.
4. Pond-any open body of water, either naturally occurring or man-made by impoundment,
which is never without standing water due to natural causes, except during periods of
extended drought.
5. Service animals-animals that have been trained to perform tasks that assist people with
disabilities.
6. Tidal flat-a nearly flat coastal area, alternately covered and exposed by the tides, and
consisting of unconsolidated sediments.
III. Pets Banned from Public Ponds, Landings, Beaches and Tidal Flats. Effective
upon publication, all dogs, horses and pets (except service animals) are prohibited
from public ponds, landings, beaches and tidal flats in the Town of Brewster 24 hours
per day from May 15 to September 15 of the current year and each year hereafter.
This prohibition includes all parking areas for and access areas to the aforementioned
ponds, landings, beaches and tidal flats. Transferring an animal on a leash from a
vehicle to a watercraft is allowed at landings.
IV. Violations and Penalties. Violations of any provision of this regulation shall be
penalized by a non-criminal penalty in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts
General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 21D. The non-criminal penalty for a violation of
this regulation is $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, $200 for any
subsequent offense
V. Enforcement. This regulation may be enforced by any municipal officer of the Town
of Brewster having police powers, including but not limited to officers and agents of
the Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Police Department, Fire Department
and the Animal Control Officer.
August 15, 1972
Amended: June 3, 2008
Effective: Upon publication
Amended: February 21, 2012
Effective: Upon publication
Amended: February 20, 2019
Effective: Upon publication
Carmen Scherzo, Chairman
Annette Grazcewski, Vice Chairman
Joe Ford
Penny Hausser Holeman
Nancy leach
Town Clerk