Mount Washington Animal Control/Inspection

08/25/2026

🐾 DID YOU FIND A PET? 🐾

Important Reminder 🚨

Finding a stray pet isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility.

In Massachusetts, pets are legally considered property. If you find an animal and don’t make a good-faith effort to reunite it with its owner, you could face legal consequences, including potential theft charges.

More importantly, every lost pet likely has a family searching and hoping to bring them home. Taking the right steps can mean the world to someone waiting and worrying.

Know the Law
The rules about holding periods for found animals—including cats—can be complex and vary by county and by species.

If You Find a Cat or Dog
If you plan to keep or rehome a stray pet yourself, you are legally expected to:

✅ Hold the animal for 10 DAYS while actively trying to find the owner.

✅ File a “found” report with local animal control and area shelters.

✅ Post on social media, PawBoost, and local lost pet groups.

✅ Hang flyers in the area where the pet was found.

✅ Have the pet scanned for a microchip and check for ID tags.

Failing to take these steps can put you at risk of felony theft charges.

Important Note About Appearance

If you’re concerned about how the animal looks—thin, matted, sick, or scared—remember:
• It’s not your role to decide whether the pet should be returned to its family.
• Only animal control or the proper authorities can make that determination.
• Even beloved, well-cared-for pets can look neglected after just a short time lost.

If you have any doubts about the pet’s condition, take them to your local shelter or call animal control right away.

Key Takeaway ‼️

Because laws and procedures differ by area, always consult your local animal control agency—or an attorney—to understand exactly what’s required in your county.

✨ Let’s get them home. ✨

***** CONTRUCTIVE COMMENTS ONLY******

08/25/2026

08/13/2026

I received permission from Ma Fish and Wildlife to bring this Red Tail Hawk to a veterinarian to be evaluated and hopefully rehabbed. Hunter Aitchison found it with a broken wing. What a beautifulcreature! Remember, no food, no water, no to little noise, cover the cage, call an ACO or WL rehab immediatly.

07/29/2026

07/29/2026

What a gem for our community!

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The wind rustles through the trees as footsteps crunch along the dirt path. Inside a black bin, a rehabilitated turtle waits, unaware that its journey of recovery is...

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