Rabies Control
As part of providing public safety and law enforcement, Animal Control Officers also act as Animal Inspectors under the direction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
The primary duty of the Animal Inspector has become rabies control in the domestic animal population. The enforced quarantine period for domestic mammals suspected of rabies exposure ranges from 45 days to six months.
Livestock Inspection
Massachusetts requires an annual livestock inspection consisting of a complete census and a visual inspection of the animals and their environment. The animals include, but are not limited to:
- Assorted Gamebirds
- Cattle
- Chickens
- Donkeys
- Goats
- Horses
- Sheep
- Waterfowl
The Department of Agricultural Resources uses this information to strengthen emergency response and disaster preparedness plans as well as to control the spread of disease.
The state may also call upon Animal Inspectors to assist with domestic animal disease quarantines in the event of an outbreak.