Animal Ordinances in Newton, MA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Newton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Newton permits backyard hens in most residential zones with setback requirements and coop standards, while roosters and larger livestock are generally prohibited.
Newton Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Newton requires dogs to be leashed in public except in designated off-leash areas, with licensing mandatory for all dogs over six months under state law.
Newton Dog Leash Requirements
Some RestrictionsBreed 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...
Beekeeping
Newton permits residential beekeeping consistent with MDAR registration requirements under MGL c.128 s.31A, with setbacks and hive management expectations.
Newton Beekeeping Rules
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Newton follows Massachusetts state law prohibiting most exotic pets, including large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and many wildlife species without MassWildlife permits.
Newton Exotic Pet Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Newton prohibits feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance conditions, attracts coyotes or rodents, and restricts intentional feeding of deer and waterfowl.
Newton Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Newton generally prohibits keeping of livestock such as goats, pigs, sheep, and cattle on typical residential lots, except where state agricultural protections apply.
Newton Livestock Keeping Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Newton city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Middlesex County →