Question: What happens to the stray dogs that are picked up by Animal Control?

Answer: Massachusetts state law requires that all dogs brought in as strays must be held for a period of ten days.

If the dog is not claimed by its owner during that time the dog is evaluated for temperament and physical health by the animal control officer and one of the local rescue organizations or shelters. Several dogs are left unclaimed each year in Somerville, and most are adopted into new homes through rescue organizations or local shelters. Those few dogs that are not placed for adoption are usually very old, suffer illness or have severe temperament problems that make them unsafe to place in a home. These dogs are humanely euthanized for public safety and to end the suffering of the dog.