Executive Summary
The City Services Committee held a hearing on July 30, 2026, to discuss Docket #0811, an order reviewing animal control enforcement, leash law compliance, dog licensing, and public safety in Boston. Chaired by Councilor Edward Flynn and co-sponsored by Councilor Erin Murphy, the meeting addressed a significant rise in service calls and animal impoundments since 2020. Key testimony from the Animal Care and Control Division and the MSPCA highlighted the need for increased staffing and modernized facilities to manage the growing pet population and ensure public safety in city parks. The committee also heard emotional public testimony regarding dog attacks and the necessity for more designated off-leash areas.
Meeting Information and Attendance
- Date: July 30, 2026
- Time: 10:04 AM
- Governing Body: City Services Committee
- Meeting Type: Committee Hearing
- Chair: Councilor Edward Flynn
- Committee Members Present: Councilor Erin Murphy
- City Staff and Panelists:
- Alexis Trazinski, Director of Animal Care and Control
- Mike Kiley, Vice President of Animal Protection Division, MSPCA-Angell
- Breeze Outlaw, Deputy Commissioner of Policy Administration, Parks and Recreation Department
Docket #0811: Animal Control and Public Safety Review
The hearing focused on Docket #0811: Order for a hearing to review animal control enforcement, leash law compliance, dog licensing, and public safety in the City of Boston.
- Legal Standards: Councilor Flynn read the following into the record: "City law requires that dogs be kept on a leash and remain under control when off an owner's property, prohibits dogs from running at large, and mandates that all dogs over six months of age be licensed annually with proof of rabies vaccination."
- Enforcement Challenges: Councilor Murphy noted a cultural shift since the pandemic, with increased reports of dogs in prohibited areas such as playgrounds and sports fields, specifically mentioning incidents at McConnell Park and M Street Park.
Animal Care and Control Division Report
Director Alexis Trazinski provided a statistical overview of the division's operations and the impact of the post-pandemic pet ownership surge.
- Staffing: The division currently operates with 19 staff members, including 6 animal control officers and 1 supervisor.
- Service Statistics (2020-2025):
- Calls for Service: 9,519 calls in 2025 (a 56% increase since 2020).
- Licensing: 30% increase in licensed dogs.
- Impoundments: Over 50% increase in cats and dogs impounded.
- Citations: 2,774 citations issued in 2025.
- Patrols: 1,800 patrols conducted in 2025.
- Operational Scope: Officers handle stray domestic pets, wildlife, dog bite investigations, and cruelty complaints. Approximately 20% of impounded animals are "charity boarding" cases involving owners who are hospitalized, evicted, or incarcerated.
MSPCA-Angell Testimony
Mike Kiley of the MSPCA emphasized the systemic issues facing animal welfare in Boston.
- Resource Gaps: Kiley stated that the current staffing level is insufficient for a city of 700,000 residents and 50 square miles, noting that officers are forced to triage calls rather than act proactively.
- Facility Needs: He highlighted that the City's animal care facility is aged and insufficient for the current volume and safety requirements.
- Proactive Solutions: Recommended a shift from punitive measures to proactive resources, such as affordable spay/neuter services and information sharing across city departments.
Public Testimony
- Chris (Dorchester Heights Association): Expressed concern over off-leash dogs at Dorchester Heights Monument and Carson Beach. Suggested a "bark ranger" program and multi-lingual signage. "Most people don't understand that there is this leash law... it seems like it's more of an education thing."
- Kyla (Nurse Practitioner): Advocated for the mental health of dogs and the need for more legal off-leash spaces. "A trained dog playing fetch under attentive control is fundamentally different than a dog who chases, threatens or injures."
- Wendy (Resident): Shared a traumatic account of her dog, Malteser, losing both eyes after an attack by an unleashed 110-pound dog in an elevator. She noted the financial burden, stating she had to pay an initial $4,000 and a subsequent $2,000 for emergency treatment. "We need more enforcement with the leash laws... and we need everyone to understand that dogs are not property."
- Myron Adamson (Dorchester Resident): Raised concerns regarding pedestrian safety and the fear of being bitten by unleashed dogs while walking city streets.
Committee Discussion and Inquiry
- Jurisdiction and Response: Director Trazinski clarified that while Animal Control responds to 311 calls, immediate safety threats should be directed to 911.
- Cruelty and Neglect: Reports of cruelty and neglect rose from 194 in 2021 to 544 in 2025. Trazinski attributed this to socioeconomic factors and housing instability.
- Legal Authority: Trazinski noted that officers cannot legally detain individuals who refuse to provide identification when caught violating leash laws in public parks.
- Service Dogs: The committee emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of residents with service animals under disability laws.
- Relevant Statutes Discussed:
- MGL c. 140, 136-174F: Licensing and Leash Laws.
- MGL c. 140, 157: Dangerous Dog Hearing process.
- MGL c. 140, 155: Strict liability for dog owners regarding damages.