Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 140 §157) prohibits breed-specific legislation (BSL) at the municipal level. No Norfolk County municipality may ban or restrict specific dog breeds based on breed alone.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 §157 explicitly prohibits municipalities from enacting breed-specific ordinances. No city or town in Norfolk County — and no other Massachusetts municipality — may ban, restrict, or impose special requirements on dogs based solely on their breed. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and other commonly targeted breeds have full legal protection from breed-specific restrictions. Dogs that have bitten or attacked people or other animals may be individually declared 'dangerous dogs' and subjected to restrictions under MGL c. 140 §157 regardless of breed. Norfolk County itself has no regulatory role in this area.
No county enforcement. Breed-neutral dangerous dog provisions apply under MGL c. 140 §157 for individually dangerous animals.
Norfolk County, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Norfolk County.
See how other cities in Norfolk County handle breed restrictions.
See how Bellingham's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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