Animal Ordinances in Newton, MA (2026)
2 verified animal ordinances for Newton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Breed Restrictions
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.
Newton Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsMGL Chapter 140, Section 157A
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...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Newton allows veterinary hospitals by right in its Business 1 through 4 districts and Mixed Use 2, requires a special permit in Mixed Use 1 and Mixed Use 4, and bars them entirely from Business 5, Mixed Use 3, Manufacturing, and Limited Manufacturing districts, while flatly prohibiting overnight boarding that isn't tied to medical care in the Business 4 and Mixed Use 4 districts.
Newton Veterinary Hospital Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsNewton Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 30) § 6.4.37(B)
6.4.37. Veterinary Hospital A. Defined. [reserved] B. Standards. In the Mixed Use 4 district, a veterinary hospital is allowed by special permit, but may not have overnight boarding not related to medical care. In the Business 4 district, a veterinary hospital may not have overnight boarding not related to medical care.