Haverhill, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code § 137-17
- Basis for restriction
- Behavior, not breed
- Enclosure setback
- 10 feet from property line
- Leash length off-property
- 4 feet, muzzled
- Liability insurance
- $100,000 per incident
- License surcharge
- $50 per year
Summary
Haverhill does not ban any breed by name. Instead, City Code § 137-17 lets the Chief of Police declare an individual dog "dangerous" or "vicious" based on its conduct, then imposes confinement, muzzling, insurance and fine requirements on that dog's owner.
§ 137-17. Dangerous and vicious dogs; violations and penalties. ... (1) Definition; determination that dog is dangerous or vicious. (a) "Dangerous dog" or "vicious dog," as used in this section, shall mean: [1] Any dog that has bitten or attacked any person or has attempted to bite or attack any person. ... B. Duties of owner when dog is determined to be dangerous. (1) Outdoor confinement. (a) While on the owner's property, a dangerous or vicious dog must be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen or stricture must be at least 10 feet from the property line, must have a minimum dimension of five feet by 10 feet, and must have secure sides and a secure top. ... C. Enforcement, fines and penalties. ... (2) Fines; relocation of animal. (a) ... [1] First offense: a fine of $50 and a hearing by the Chief of Police, at the Chief's discretion, to determine whether said animal shall be forever banned within the limits of the City of Haverhill or whether said animal shall be humanely euthanized.
Full Breakdown
Under City of Haverhill Code § 137-17, the Chief of Police (or a designee) may, on a written complaint, determine that a specific dog is a "dangerous dog" or "vicious dog" because it has bitten, attacked, or attempted to attack a person, regardless of breed. Once a dog is so declared, the owner must keep it, while on the owner's property, confined indoors or in a locked pen at least 10 feet from the property line, at least 5 feet by 10 feet, with secure sides and a secure top; if the enclosure has no floor, the sides must be buried at least 2 feet into the ground.
The Animal Control Officer verifies compliance with an on-site inspection. Off the property, a dangerous dog must be muzzled and on a lead no longer than 4 feet, controlled by an able-bodied adult. Owners must post warning signs facing every side of the property, notify direct abutters by certified mail using an abutter list obtained free from the Assessor's office, and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per incident for a vicious dog (waived for law-enforcement dogs). The annual license carries a $50 dangerous-dog surcharge on top of the regular fee.
Exceptions exist for trespassers, animals that tormented the dog first, working hunting or herding dogs, dogs protecting a person from attack, and military, correctional or law-enforcement dogs acting in official duty.
Violations & Fines
A dangerous or vicious dog found off the owner's property or not securely confined draws a $50 fine and a discretionary Chief of Police hearing on the first offense, and a $100 fine with a mandatory hearing on a second or later offense, either of which can end in the dog being permanently banned from the City or humanely euthanized. An unregistered dangerous or vicious dog found in Haverhill draws a $50 fine and euthanasia unless the owner registers it within 10 days. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Haverhill ban pit bulls or other specific breeds?
Who decides a dog is dangerous in Haverhill?
What happens if a declared dangerous dog gets loose in Haverhill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Haverhill
How Haverhill compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Haverhill to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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