approve2026-129
Approve the Order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140 sec. 139 (2026-129).
2026-1292026-129
2026-129 · LICENSE · POLICY · 2026
An order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, § 139(c).
The city approves a state option to waive dog license fees for residents aged 70 and older. Senior dog owners would still need to license and vaccinate their dogs, and late fees or kennel licenses are not affected.
approved CITYWIDE
- STEP 1SubmittedSEP 08 2026
- STEP 2 · CURRENTApprovedSEP 22 2026
AI summary · plain-language
This order adopts the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 139(c), which allows municipalities to waive the annual dog license fee for residents aged 70 years or older. If adopted, Amesbury would waive the standard dog license fee for qualifying senior residents while continuing to require licensing and vaccination compliance. The waiver is limited to the individual dog license fee and does not apply to late fees or kennel licenses.
Key provisions
§1 Accepts M.G.L. c. 140, § 139(c) allowing waiver of dog license fees.
§2 No fee shall be charged for a dog license for residents aged 70 years or older.
§3 Waiver applies only to dog license fees; late fees and kennel licenses remain unaffected.
§4 Qualifying residents still must license and vaccinate their dogs per local requirements.
Discussed at meetings
City CouncilCity Council Meeting
City CouncilCity Council Standing Committee of the Whole Meeting
refer2026-129
Return 2026-129 (An Order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c.140 §139C — senior dog-license exemption) to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.
2026-1292026-129 An Order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140 sec. 139
City Council**AMENDED** City Council Meeting
refer2026-129
Refer An Order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c.140 §139 (2026-129) to the Standing Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026.
2026-1292026-129 Order to Accept M.G.L. c.140 §139 (dog license waiver for seniors)