Medford, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

A dog is "dangerous" under Sec. 6-44 if it has bitten, attacked, or attempted to attack a person, shown a propensity to attack other animals, approached a person in a menacing manner in public, or was kept for fighting; the animal control officer, a police officer or the health director decides, with notice to the owner. Exceptions exist for dogs reacting to a trespasser, a provoking party, protecting a person from attack, or reacting to pain, and military, correctional and police dogs are never covered.

Once declared, the owner must confine the dog in a locked pen at least five feet by ten feet, or muzzle and leash it (three-foot maximum) off the property, keep it 100 feet from parks, playgrounds and schools, post a "Beware of Dog" sign, and carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance. The dog's license carries a $50 surcharge. No one under 18 may be responsible for a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog. Sec. 6-45 separately covers "potentially dangerous" dogs: those impounded or cited for running off-leash three or more times in twelve months, or that act highly aggressive when unprovoked in a yard, with lighter conditions and fines.