Town of Westford, MA - Piggery & Stabling Regulations

Artile II Stables [Adopted 12-11-72]
203-7	Stable required
A.	No person, firm or corporation owning or responsible for the custody of a horse, mule, pony or donkey shall keep or maintain the same without providing a stable and paddock, both of which shall conform to the requirements of these regulations.
B.	No person, firm or coproration owning or responsible to the custody of an such animal shall, for the purpose of stabling such animal, use or occupy any building, shed or other structure which does not confirm to the requirements of these regulations nor ulness a permit therefore is first secured and the provisions of these regulations are fully complied with.
C.	No new stabling facilities shall be erected or created unless a permit therefore is first obtained. Any such new facilites shall be consctructed in conformity with the applicable provisions of the Westford Building Code. No permit shall be issued for any such new stabling facilities to be located on premises containing less than three-fourths (3/4) of an acre of land.
203-8	Permit Application
Applications for all permits required by these regulations shall be made to the Board of Health. Each application shall state the name of the applicant and the location of the premises to be used: and each application shall specify the area and location of the premises for which a permit is requested and shall specify the number of animals which are to be kept within such areas. No animals in excess of the number specified shall be kept therein. Such permit shall cover only one (1) location, which shall be stated therein. Each application shall also contain such additional information as may be required by the Board for its guidance in issuing the permit applied for.
203-9	Permit forms; fees
Forms for all permits, and applications therefore, shall be prepared and kept on file by the Board of Health. The Board shall issue all such permits, upon payment of a fee of five dollars ($25).
203-10	Expiration and revocation of permits
A.	All permits shall expire on July 1 of each year but may be renewed annually upon application, provided that the applicant is then qualified to receive a permit ad the premises for which the renewal is sought are suitable for such purposes; provided, however, that all permits shall automatically expire upon any sale, conveyance or transfer of the premises on which any licensed stable or paddock is located.
B.	Revoaction. Any permit may be revoked by the Board for violation by the permittee or by any person operating under its direction or authority of any regulations or provision relating to the permit, the subject of the permit or the premises occupied; and such revocation may be in addition to any fine or penalty imposed for the violation.
203-11	Existing stables and paddocks
Any lawful stable and/or paddock existing at the time of the adoption of these regulations which does not comply with the physical or dimensional requirements of these regulations may be continued although such stable does not conform to the physical and dimensional requirements thereof, subject, however, not such conditions, limitations, restrictions or requirements as the Board shall require.
203-12	Stalls
A.	The individual stall in a stable shall be not less than six (6) feet wide and not less than ten and one-half (101/2) feet in depth.
B.	Floors. Each stall floor shall be kept covered with and adequate supply of suitable, dry bedding material, such as straw, shavings, sawdust or sugar cane, sufficient to absorb moisture and subdue odor. All stall floors shall be constructed of wood, gravel or clay.
203-13	Ventilation and construcion of stables
A.	The ceilings, doors and windows of every stable shall be of such size and location as to ensure adequate ventilation.
B.	The interior of every stable shall be free from projecting nails or splinters liable to injure the animals. The use of rotten, burned, crumbly or otherwise inferior material is prohibited. Electrical fixtures shall be located in such fashion as to prevent the animals from coming into contact with the same.
C.	Every stable shall have suitable facilities for confining the animals so as to prevent their running at large.
203-14	Feed storage; water supply
A.	Suitable metal or metal-lined containers shall be provided for the storage of grain to discourage or prevent rodent contamination and attraction. Suitable measures, such as the employment of traps or chemicals, shall be utilized to control rodents.
B.	An adequated supply of clean water shall be provided for all animals.
203-15	Provisions for manure
A.	During the period of May 1 to November 1 of each year, all manure shall be removed from the premises on which the stable is located at least weekly; during the period of November 1 through the following April 30, all manure shall be removed at least monthly.
B.	All manure, including that mixed with bedding in stalls, shall be treated with lime as often as requried for disinfectant purposes, but in noevent less than once each week.
C.	All manure and saturated bedding shall be removed from the stalls and from the stable at least every two (2) days. Manure deposited outside of a stable shall be treated with fly repellent and/or screened so as to prevent the breeding of insects, and no such manure shall be stored closer than twenty-five (25) feet to the adjoining property line.
D.	Suitable precatuion shall be taken during the transporting of manure off the premises so as to prevent its spilling or dropping on any public or private way.
203-16	Paddocks
A.	Definition. For the purpose of these regulations, "paddock" shall mean an enclosed exercise area.
B.	All stables shall be provided with a fenced paddock, adequate for free exercise of any animals kept in the stable.
C.	Barbed wire shall not be used for fencing.
D.	Paddock fencing shall be strong enough and high enough to keep the animals confined and prevent thier running at large.
E.	All electric fences shall be posted with signs clearly indicating that it is an electric fence.
F.	No paddock shall be closer than ten (10) feet to any adjoining property line.
G.	All paddocks shall be provided with an adequated drainage system to prevent the formation of stagnant pools or puddles of water.
203-17	Declaration of nuisance
It shall be unlawful to permit any premises, building, shed or other structure used for the purpose of stabling any horse, mule, pony or donkey to remain in such condition as to be dangerous to the public health in any way. Any such premises, building, shed or other structure is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
203-18	Violations and penalties
Any person, firm or corporation violating or failing to comply with any provision of these regulations shall be fined not less than five dollars ($5) nor more than twenty-five ($25) for each offense. And a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
203-19	Severeability
It is the intention of the Board of Health that these regulations, and every provision thereof, shall be considered separable, and the invalidity of any section, clause or provision of these regulations shall not affect the validity of any other portion of these regulations.
203-20	Repealer
All regulations and parts of regulations of the Board of Health in conflict herewith are hereby revoked.