Taunton, MA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Section 191-6 of the Taunton Code applies to any dog of fierce, dangerous or vicious propensities and to any female dog in heat, regardless of whether it is licensed, unless the dog is on duty under a police officer, other law enforcement officer, or a certified security dog handler. Such a dog must be kept at all times in a clean, adequately ventilated enclosure of sufficient size, and that enclosure cannot sit in an area zoned Suburban or Urban Residential, or otherwise within 1,000 feet of a dwelling, unless the neighboring occupants and owners give written approval.

A dog is presumed to have vicious propensities if it has ever been trained, or exposed to training, for security, attack, military or paramilitary duty, or if it has attacked or bitten a person without provocation. If such a dog is found running at large, police may take it up and impound it, and if it cannot be safely impounded, an officer may slay it on the spot. An impounded dog's owner is notified, or if unknown, a notice describing the dog runs for five days at three or more conspicuous City locations; the dog is released only after the Animal Control Officer's approval, payment of the license fee if unpaid, and proof the owner has an adequate enclosure and intends to keep the dog under these restrictions. Unclaimed dogs are disposed of as other stray dogs are.