All persons residing in the Town of Hawley and keeping or maintaining a dog in the Town are obliged to register/license each dog on an annual basis. Proof of current Rabies vaccination will be required at registration, as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 137 and 145B, or any amendments thereafter.
Dogs that are six months of age or older that reside in the Town of Hawley must be licensed by April 1. A $10 late fee (per dog) will be applied for licenses obtained on or after April 1 (other than for new dogs). After May 1, the fine becomes $25.
There are two ways to license your dog
In person at the Town Clerk’s office. Be sure to bring a current rabies vaccination certificate and proof of spaying/neutering. The Clerk’s office is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. of by appointment. The Assistant Town Clerk/Gal Friday can also license dogs; she is in the office on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
By mail. Just complete and mail this form to the Clerk’s office. Along with the form, we need a current rabies vaccination certificate and proof of spaying/neutering. Be sure to enclose a check made payable to the Town of Hawley for the proper fee with your request. We will process your request and mail the license back to you.
The license fees are as follows:
- Neutered/Spayed dogs:$5
- Unaltered dogs: $10
- Kennel Fees: $30 for up to four dogs, $60 for up to 10 dogs
- Additional Late Fees: $10 after April 1, $25 after May 1
Residents acquiring new dogs six months of age or older, or new residents who bring dogs to Hawley, will have 30 days from the date of acquiring the dog, or in the case of a new resident, from the date when such person begins residency, in which to comply.
As required by MA General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 151A, by June 10 a warrant will be issued to the Dog Officer directing him to seek out, catch and confine all dogs within the Town that have not been licensed as required by this Chapter and to enter and prosecute a complaint for failure to comply against the owners or keepers. Any dogs remaining in his custody after 10 days shall be euthanized or adopted out to a suitable owner at his discretion.
DOG CONTROL LAW (EXCERPT)
All dogs in Hawley must be under their owners’ control at all times. Failure to keep dogs under control may result in fines or such other penalties as permitted under MA General Laws, Chapter 140.
Chris Tirone is Hawley’s dog officer. To contact Chris, leave a message at the Town Office at 413 339-5518.
