Animal Ordinances in Brookline, MA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Brookline, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Brookline requires dogs to be leashed or under voice control in public. Dogs in designated off-leash parks may be off-leash. All dogs must be licensed with the Town and vaccinated against rabies. Cleanup of dog waste is required.
Brookline Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws Ch. 140 Sec. 157 (Complaint of Nuisance, Etc., by Dog)
Section 157. (a) Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a ...
Breed Restrictions
Brookline has no breed-specific legislation. Massachusetts does not permit BSL under state law. Dangerous dog classification is behavior-based under MGL c. 140. Brookline has banned exotic animals in traveling shows.
Brookline Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws Ch. 140 Sec. 157A (Breed-Specific Dog Regulations Prohibited)
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...
Beekeeping
Brookline's Health Department manages beekeeping permits through the Keeping of Animals, Bees & Fowl program. A permit is required to keep bees in Brookline. Hives must also be registered with the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) under MGL c. 128.
Brookline Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Brookline was among the first Massachusetts municipalities to restrict exotic animals in traveling shows. State law prohibits possession of large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles without MassWildlife permits. Brookline also bans pet shop sales of non-rescue animals.
Brookline Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brookline city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Norfolk County →