What should be done in the event of ANIMAL BITES?

In the event any animal bites a person or an unvaccinated pet, call the Animal Control Officer or the Police Department. If the animal is wildlife that is still available, it can be tested for rabies at the Massachusetts State Rabies Lab. In the case of a dog or cat bite, the Animal Control Officer will contact the pet owner to verify if the cat or dog is up to date on its rabies vaccine. By law, all owned cats and dogs must have rabies shots by 6 months of age.

IMPORTANT: If you cannot reach the Animal Control Officer or a Chesterfield Police Officer, contact the non-emergency dispatch line at (413) 586-1508 and a Police Officer will be paged.