Lowell does not ban or restrict any dog breed. Massachusetts state law MGL c.140 s.157A prohibits breed-specific legislation statewide.
In 2012, Massachusetts enacted MGL c.140 Section 157A, which explicitly prohibits any city or town from regulating dogs in a manner that is specific to breed. This means Lowell cannot and does not ban pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, or any other breed. Instead, Lowell regulates dogs based on individual behavior under the nuisance and dangerous dog provisions of MGL c.140 s.157. A dog that has attacked a person or another domestic animal, or that is deemed a nuisance, can be ordered restrained, muzzled, or (in severe cases) euthanized after a hearing before the City Council or its designee. All dogs six months or older must be licensed annually with the City Clerk and vaccinated against rabies. Landlords and insurance companies may still impose private breed restrictions even though the city cannot.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle breed restrictions.
See how Lowell's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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