Rutland Regional Animal Control

09/01/2026

Early Canada Goose Season opens statewide on September 1st and runs through September 25th.

Hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

The daily bag limit is 15 Canada geese, with a possession limit of 45.

As you prepare for the season, remember:

Shotguns must be properly plugged and limited to 3 shells.
Use non-toxic ammunition only (pure copper shot is prohibited).

Practice safe firearm handling at all times. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and be certain of your target and what is beyond it.

If underway, a USCG-approved PFD must be carried for each person on a vessel. After September 15th, it must be worn while on a paddlecraft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Make sure you have a valid Massachusetts hunting license, along with the required Massachusetts State and Federal Waterfowl Stamps.
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey must be completed.
Hunting on Sundays is prohibited.
Baiting and driving of waterfowl is prohibited.
Please pick up your empty shotgun shells and leave no trash behind. Help keep our waterways, fields, and public lands clean.

Take a few minutes to check your gear, licenses, and regulations before heading out. Stay safe, know the regulations, respect the land, and good luck this season!
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https://www.mass.gov/info-details/migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations

https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2026-05/mb-memorandum-clarification-approved-nontoxic-shot-requirements.pdf

08/31/2026

Does this pup look familiar? Hanging out on Marshall Street in Paxton. I will be heading that way to pick up shortly. If familiar please call 508-829-4444 and press zero. Thank you!

08/29/2026

We are coming into that time of year again where bear activity will start to be more prevalent. Please remember to remove any kind of attractant from your yard to avoid a bear interaction. Please go to Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prevent-conflicts-with-black-bears for more information.

A black bear was caught on camera raiding a bird feeder in Worcester County.

08/24/2026

Found in Paxton. All black kitten. Richard’s Ave area. If familiar please call 508-829-4444 and press zero. Thank you!

08/23/2026

We had a great time visiting all the doggies that braved the weather today to come out for a swim! It was nice to see all the dogs having so much fun!

08/20/2026

This male cat was found on Prescott St. in Rutland and brought to an emergency vet last evening. If familiar please call 508-886-4033 and press zero. Thank you!

08/16/2026

This dog was found very close to the Pricenton Town line. If the dog looks familiar or if it is your dog please contact Gardner MA Animal Shelter.

***RETURNED TO OWNER***
***FOUND - WESTMINSTER***

This young lad was found roaming at Crow Hill Reservation off of Fitchburg Rd. In Westminster. Has harness on with leash attached. If this is your dog please contact the shelter at 978-630-4950

08/09/2026

In July, officers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police responded to over 40 bear-related incidents across the Commonwealth. From Western MA to Bourne, we received reports across the state of damage to poultry, livestock, and crops, break-ins at buildings, defensive encounters with dogs, and various issues related to dumpsters, trash, campgrounds, picnic areas, and bird feeders. The list goes on from there.

To address these issues, property owners are encouraged to install electric fencing that is adequately powered and includes baited wires. This type of fencing, when properly set up, effectively safeguards livestock, poultry, bee hives, crops, and trash containers, significantly reducing the chances of recurring bear conflicts. Furthermore, Massachusetts is launching a continuous bear hunting season this year, from Labor Day through early December, offering over three months of regulated opportunities. For communities with ongoing bear problems, connecting responsible hunters with landowners in need could be beneficial, creating a win-win situation by removing bears with destructive behaviors while providing hunters a legitimate chance to harvest a big-game species.

08/09/2026

UPDATE: Returned to owner.

This dog was found in Barre near Lincoln Cemetery. If this dog looks familiar or if this is your dog please call dispatch at 508-886-4033 and press zero.