Massachusetts state law expressly preempts municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed. Local breed-specific bans are void under state statute.
M.G.L. Chapter 140 Section 157 was amended in 2012 to prohibit municipalities from regulating dogs in a manner that is specific to breed. No city or town may declare a dog dangerous solely because of its breed. Dangerous dog determinations must be made based on individual behavior. This preemption is absolute statewide, voiding any pre-existing local breed bans.
Local breed-specific ordinances are unenforceable. Municipalities enforcing breed bans face legal challenges and statutory invalidation.
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See how Belchertown's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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