Boston, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Anyone may file a written dangerous-dog complaint with the Hearing Authority of the Animal Care and Control Unit inside the Parks and Recreation Department. 2(A)(1) bars a dangerous designation based solely on growling or barking, based on breed, or where the dog was defending itself, its owner or another animal from attack, was reacting to a person committing a crime or trespassing, or was provoked. After an evidentiary public hearing, the Hearing Authority dismisses the complaint or deems the dog a nuisance or dangerous dog, and can order spaying/neutering, microchipping or behavior training.

Once a dog is designated dangerous, the owner must confine it in a locked pen or structure at least 5 by 10 feet, embedded 2 feet into the ground if bottomless, post warning signage visible from the street, and muzzle and leash it (3-foot maximum) with an able-bodied adult in control whenever it leaves the property; dangerous dogs are barred from public festivals and parades without a specific waiver. Boston's Animal Control Officer must record the breed of any dog quarantined for biting and report those breed statistics to the City Council every October 1, but that reporting duty does not translate into breed-based regulation of ownership or licensing.