Cambridge, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Ban
- None (state preempted)
- State Law
- MGL c.140 s.157A
- Dangerous Dog Rule
- Behavior-based
- Hearing Authority
- Animal Commission
- License
- Annual, breed-neutral
Summary
Cambridge does not impose breed-specific restrictions; Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
Section 157A: Non-compliance of dog owner or keeper with order; transferring ownership or selling of dangerous dog
Section 157A. (a) An owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with an order of a hearing authority or district court shall be punished, for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days in a jail or house of correction, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days in a jail or house of correction.
(b) No person over the age of 17 who has actual knowledge that a dog has been deemed dangerous under section 157 shall permit a child under the age of 17 to own, possess or have the care or custody of such dog.
(c) No person shall transfer ownership or possession of a dog which such person knows, or reasonably should have known, has been deemed dangerous under section 157 or offer such dangerous dog for sale or breed without informing the recipient of the dog of the finding of dangerousness.
Full Breakdown
Cambridge does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL). Since 2012, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 157A has expressly preempted cities and towns from enacting any ordinance targeting dogs by breed. All dog regulation in Cambridge is behavior-based, meaning individual dogs are evaluated for dangerousness regardless of breed. A dog deemed nuisance or dangerous under MGL c.140 s.157 may be subject to containment orders, muzzling, insurance requirements, or in extreme cases removal from the city, but only after a formal hearing. The Cambridge Animal Commission handles these determinations. Landlords and condominium associations may still set breed rules privately, as those are contractual rather than municipal. Cambridge dog licenses (required annually under MGL c.140 s.137) are also breed-neutral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Cambridge landlord ban pit bulls?
What happens if my dog bites someone in Cambridge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
How Cambridge compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle breed restrictions.