Newton, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed bans
- Prohibited by MGL c.140 s.157A
- Newton policy
- Behavior-based enforcement only
- Hearings
- Dangerous dog under s.157
- Penalties
- Muzzle, insurance, confinement
- Private exceptions
- Landlords, HOAs, insurers allowed
Summary
Newton does not impose breed-specific bans because Massachusetts state law MGL c.140 s.157A prohibits municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed alone.
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
Under Massachusetts General Law c.140 s.157A, Massachusetts municipalities cannot enact or enforce any dog regulation that is specific to a breed, including bans on pit bulls, Rottweilers, or other commonly targeted breeds. Newton complies fully with this state preemption. Instead, Newton uses behavior-based dangerous and nuisance dog procedures under MGL c.140 s.157, where the Mayor or designee holds a hearing after an incident and can order confinement, muzzling, liability insurance, or euthanasia for any dog (regardless of breed) found dangerous. Rental housing, HOAs, and insurance carriers may still impose breed restrictions privately. Newton Animal Control, a division of Newton Police, handles dog incident investigations citywide across all 13 villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Newton ban pit bulls?
What if my dog bites someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newton
How Newton compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Newton 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.