Animal Inspector

The Animal Inspector plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of domestic animals in Concord. This position is responsible for enforcing state statutes, town bylaws, and Board of Health regulations related to animal health. The Animal Inspector conducts barn inspections to ensure animals are properly housed, fed, and in good health. Rabies control is another key responsibility, including assessing exposure risks, enforcing quarantines for animals that have bitten humans or other animals, and coordinating rabies testing. Additionally, the Animal Inspector monitors the arrival of out-of-state livestock, assists in disease outbreak investigations, and submits necessary reports to the State Division of Animal Health.

Many residents confuse the responsibilities of the Animal Inspector with those of the Animal Control Officer (ACO). While both positions deal with animals, their roles are distinct. The Animal Inspector focuses on animal health, regulatory compliance, and disease control, whereas the Animal Control Officer, who operates under the Police Department, is responsible for enforcing local animal-related laws. The ACO responds to calls regarding stray or aggressive animals, leash law violations, and animal cruelty concerns. Additionally, the ACO provides 24/7 emergency response services for urgent animal control issues and manages the temporary housing of impounded dogs. Currently, the Animal Inspector also works as the Animal Control Officer. 

If you need to contact the Animal Control Officer for any reason, please call the Concord Police Department at 978-318-3400 and the Animal Control Officer will be paged. 

Deceased Animal Removal

Proper handling and disposal of deceased animals are important for public health and safety. If a dead animal is found on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to handle disposal. 

  • For small animals, the carcass can be placed in a securely sealed plastic or garbage bag and disposed of with routine trash collection. If burial is preferred, the site should be deep enough to prevent scavenging and located away from water sources, property lines, and other sensitive areas. Alternatively, natural decomposition may be an option by leaving the carcass in the woods, far from people, pets, and homes. Note: this method may attract scavenging animals such as coyotes.
  • If you prefer not to handle the removal of a deceased animal on your property, you may choose to hire a professional wildlife removal service. It is the property owner's responsibility to research and select a company that meets their needs. The Health Department does not provide recommendations or endorsements for specific wildlife removal services.

If a dead animal is found on a public roadway, residents should contact Concord Public Works for removal: 978-318-3206

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Handling Deceased Animals

When handling dead animals, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) helps reduce health risks. The CDC and other health agencies recommend the following:

  • Gloves: Wear disposable gloves (latex, nitrile, or rubber) to avoid direct contact.
  • Mask: Use a mask (surgical or N95) if handling wild animals or birds.
  • Clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes for added protection.
  • Eye Protection: Use safety glasses or goggles if there’s a risk of splashes.
  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, or use hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.

For more information on safe handling and disposal:

Leash Law

Concord has implemented a leash law requiring all dog owners to ensure their pets are either held firmly on a leash or under control when outside the confines of their property. This law aims to maintain public safety and peace within the community and is enforced by the Animal Control Officer.

The key points of the law include:

  1. Leash Requirement: Dogs must be leashed or under the owner's control when outside the owner's property.
  2. Prohibited Actions:
    • Disturbing the peace or endangering safety by biting, barking, or other behaviors.leash
    • Running at large, especially if unmuzzled in violation of official orders.
    • Injuring another’s animals.
    • Chasing vehicles.
    • Being unlicensed or untagged.
    • Entering school or municipal buildings without control.
    • Being on playgrounds, school properties, or cemeteries without a leash.
  3. Dog Officer Authority: The Dog Officer can impound dogs violating the law and notify owners, who can reclaim their dogs by reimbursing maintenance costs and licensing the dog. The Dog Officer can also issue restraining orders on dogs for up to fourteen days.
  4. Fines and Penalties: Owners violating the bylaw are subject to fines for each offense, with additional fines for continuing violations.

Dog Licenses

Dog licenses are issued and managed by the Town Clerk's Office. All dog owners are required to register their pets annually with the Town Clerk to ensure compliance with local and state regulations. The keeping of farm animals permitting is managed by the Health Department.