Breed Restrictions: Bellingham vs Brookline
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Brookline, MA?
Bellingham and Brookline have similar restriction levels.
Bellingham, MA
Norfolk County
Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 140 §157) prohibits breed-specific legislation (BSL) at the municipal level. No Norfolk County municipality may ban or restrict specific dog breeds based on breed alone.
View full Bellingham rules →Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
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.
View full Brookline rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Brookline |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Status | Prohibited statewide — MGL c. 140 §157 | - |
| Breed Bans? | Illegal in all MA municipalities | - |
| Dangerous Dog Law | Breed-neutral — applies to individual animals with bite history | - |
| State Authority | MGL c. 140 §157 | - |
| Breed Ban? | - | No breed-specific ordinance in Brookline |
| State Law | - | MGL c. 140 (behavior-based dangerous dog) |
| Pet Shop Ban | - | Brookline bans sale of non-rescue dogs/cats in pet shops |
| Topic | - | Breed Restrictions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellingham FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Norfolk County?
Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 140 §157) prohibits breed-specific legislation (BSL) at the municipal level. No Norfolk County municipality may ban or restrict specific dog breeds based on breed alone.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Norfolk County?
BSL Status: Prohibited statewide — MGL c. 140 §157. Breed Bans?: Illegal in all MA municipalities. Dangerous Dog Law: Breed-neutral — applies to individual animals with bite history. State Authority: MGL c. 140 §157.
Brookline FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Brookline?
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.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Brookline?
Breed Ban?: No breed-specific ordinance in Brookline. State Law: MGL c. 140 (behavior-based dangerous dog). Pet Shop Ban: Brookline bans sale of non-rescue dogs/cats in pet shops.
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