Chelsea, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

c. 140, § 157, and the code presumes every dangerous dog to be a nuisance and a danger to public safety for purposes of that state hearing statute. Section 4-51(a) imposes a total ban on dangerous dogs anywhere within the city, with the single exception of a dangerous dog the chief of police has authorized to remain under a restraint order. An owner whose dangerous dog is found off the owner's own property, or not restrained in a secure area under the article, is guilty of an offense and the dog is permanently banned from the city.

c. 140, § 157, the chief can order the dog disposed of, banned forever, restrained under section 4-52, or subjected to administrative remedies such as mandatory obedience training or a reduction in the number of animals kept at one address. A dog allowed to remain under a chief's restraint order must stay on the registered owner's principal residential premises, confined indoors or in a locked pen or structure at least five feet by ten feet, with sides secure and embedded at least two feet into the ground if it has no bottom.

The owner must post a visible warning sign readable from the public street, plus a separate sign warning children of the dangerous dog. The dog may leave only for veterinary transport or permanent removal from the city, and in either case must be muzzled and restrained by a leash or chain no longer than five feet.