General Laws

[ Text of section effective until October 31, 2012. For text effective October 31, 2012, see below.]

  Section 171. The owner or keeper of a dog which has done damage to live stock or fowls shall be liable in tort to the county for all damages so done which the county commissioners thereof have ordered to be paid as provided in this chapter. The county treasurer, except as provided in section one hundred and sixty-five, may, and if so ordered by the county commissioners shall, bring such action. In Suffolk county, such owner or keeper shall be liable in like manner to the town for damages so done therein which the aldermen or selectmen have so ordered to be paid; and the town treasurer may, and if so ordered by the aldermen or selectmen shall, bring such action.

Chapter 140: Section 171. Liability to city or town of owner or keeper of dog

[ Text of section as amended by 2012, 193, Sec. 41 effective October 31, 2012. For text effective until October 31, 2012, see above.]

  Section 171. The owner or keeper of a dog which has done damage to livestock or fowl shall be liable in tort to the city or town for all damages so done which the mayor, aldermen or board of selectmen have ordered to be paid as provided in this chapter.