Bristol County, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- County BSL
- None
- State Preemption
- No statewide breed ban preemption
- Dangerous Dog
- MGL Ch. 140 provisions apply
- Authority
- Individual municipalities
Summary
Bristol County does not impose county-level breed restrictions. Massachusetts has no statewide breed ban preemption, allowing individual municipalities to set their own policies. Most Bristol County towns enforce dangerous dog provisions under MGL Ch. 140 rather than breed-specific bans.
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.
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts does not have a statewide breed ban. Dangerous dog provisions under MGL c.140 §157 are behavior-based. Some MA municipalities have attempted breed-specific legislation with varying legal outcomes. Individual dog behavior determines dangerous dog designation. Municipal hearing officers or courts handle dangerous dog proceedings. HOA breed restrictions are separate from municipal law.
Violations & Fines
Dangerous dog orders: restraint, muzzling, confinement. Failure to comply: fines up to $500. Severe attack: possible euthanasia order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any dog breeds banned in Bristol County?
Are there pit bull restrictions in Bristol County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
How Bristol County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
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