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1. Does the Animal Control Department dispose of dead animals?

Domestic Animals

Animal Control does not remove and dispose of domestic/personal animals.

Please contact your veterinarian for assistance and recommendations.

Wildlife

The Animal Control Department will remove deceased animals that are creating a traffic hazard from public ways only.

Animal Control may remove deceased rabies vector wildlife from private property (such as bats, coyotes, raccoons, fox, skunks, etc.) only if there was a potential exposure to a person or pet, such as a bite or scratch. Removal is done to have the animal tested for rabies. You may also have an animal tested on your own- please contact the department for information.

Animal Control does not remove deceased animals that do not fit into the above categories from private property, and you will need to dispose of it yourself. If you have to remove a deceased animal from your property, avoid using bare hands when handling the carcass. Place the animal in a plastic bag or garbage bag, and dispose of the animal with your routine trash. For larger animals free of disease, you may dig a hole on your property deep enough so curious coyotes won't dig it up, typically about 3 feet deep or place it in a wooded area on your property, or property you have permission to use from the owner, far from people, pets, homes, etc. Expect that coyotes and other scavenging animals will be arriving in short order to feed on the carcass.

A final option is to contact a wildlife removal company to remove the animal for you for a fee. There are a number of options available online- Animal Control cannot by law recommend a specific company.

2. I have problems with wildlife. What are my choices? Can I capture it?

Local Animal Control Officers and Police Officers have no powers which enable them to handle problem wildlife.  The state fish and wildlife division has licensed problem wildlife agents for this purpose. They do charge for their services!  This also includes coyotes. The town can only take action against coyotes that are aggressive towards persons or diseased.  The town cannot remove wildlife just because it’s living under your shed, etc.  For more information visit the MassWildlife website.  

3. Will you have to tell the animal owner who reported the complaint?

No! We do not divulge information on our callers. It is very important for our department to have the complainant's information though because it assists our investigation and allows us to speed up the process. 

4. How do I know if my neighbor is abusing or neglecting their animal?

If you believe an animal is being abused, there are a few simple steps you can take in order to help.

• You can call us at 508-888-1186 to file a complaint
• Call the Animal Rescue League of Boston Law Enforcement Department at 617-426-9170, ext. 110
• Call the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 800-628-5808

5. Every time I call the office I get a voicemail. Why isn't anyone at the office?

The Plymouth Animal Control Department covers calls during the hours of 7:30 am to 4 pm. During this time we may be tending to the animals at our shelter, responding to calls on the road, or speaking with someone on the other line. If your call is not in regards to an emergency, please leave your name, number, and the nature of your call on our voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If your call is an emergency and cannot wait for a call back please contact the Plymouth Police Department at 508-830-4218.