Livestock Regulations

Rules & Regulations

Rules and regulations relative to horses, cows, ducks, geese, goats, chickens, pigeons, rabbits, sheep, swine, pheasants and other fowl or animals.

The Board of Health of the Town of South Hadley, acting under the Bylaws of the Town of South Hadley, Chapter 12, Section 3, and the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 155 and amendments and additions thereto, and by any other power thereto enabling, and acting thereunder and in accordance therewith, have, in the interest of and for the preservation of the public health, duly made and adopted the following rules and regulations, at a meeting of the Board of Health and adopted by the Board of Health of the Town of South Hadley by members:

  • Sol M. Gold, M.D. Chairman
  • Douglas G. L'Abbee, MCHO, RS, Member
  • Alan K. Root, Member

Section 1: Permits

No person, firm, or corporation shall keep or allow to be kept within the limits of the town, in any building or on any premises of which he may be the owner, lessee, tenant or occupant, any horses, cows, ducks, geese, goats, guinea pigs, chickens, pigeons, rabbits, sheep or any other fowl or animals without a Stable and Livestock Permit from the Board of Health. All such permits shall expire annually on March 31 and may be revoked by the Board of Health at any time for cause. Dogs and cats are excluded only from Section 1 of these regulations.

Section 2: Cleanliness

Owners or persons in control of any building or premises in which horses, cows, ducks, geese, goats, guinea pigs, chickens, pigeons, rabbits, sheep or any other fowl or animals are kept, shall keep the building and premises clean, free from odors, decaying food, filth, dirt and stagnant water. The buildings and pens shall be white-washed or disinfected and put in such condition as may be ordered by the Board of Health.

Section 3: Care of Fowl & Animals

The owner or other person or persons having control of any existing building or buildings hereafter erected or converted into a barn for the stabling of horses or other domestic animals or fowl, shall keep their barns, stables and yards clean, and shall store and dispose of manure in a manner that does not affect the health and comfort of the general public or in any way ordered by the Board of Health.

Section 4: Carcasses

All fowl and animal carcasses shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner by burial or by delivery in a covered conveyance to a rendering company within 24 hours.

Section 5: Immunization Records

The owner or person(s) having control of horses, cows, ducks, geese, goats, guinea pigs, pigeons, rabbits, sheep or any other fowl or animals must immunize and maintain immunization records as required by the Massachusetts Division of Animal Health. Immunization records must be made available to the Board of Health at any time. Diseased or infected animals must be isolated from other animals.

Section 6: Lighting

All buildings must be equipped with sufficient artificial lighting.

Section 7: Miscellaneous

Rodent, fly, and insect control shall be practiced at all time.

Section 8: Penalties

Any person who violates any provision of these regulations shall be fined no more than $100 by the court having jurisdiction.