Breed Restrictions: Boston vs New York
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Boston, MA and New York, NY?
New York has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-based.
View full Boston rules →New York, NY
New York County
New York County does not restrict any dog breed. New York Agriculture and Markets Law 123 preempts breed specific legislation and regulates only individual dangerous dogs on a behavior basis.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | New York |
|---|---|---|
| State Breed Ban | None | - |
| Dangerous Dogs | Behavior-based | - |
| State Law | MGL c.140 §157 | - |
| Local BSL | Some attempts, mixed results | - |
| Breed bans | - | None. NY AG&M Law 123 preempts |
| Dangerous dog | - | Individual behavior based hearing |
| NYCHA restriction | - | 40 lb and breed list in NYCHA units only |
| Co-op rules | - | Allowed as private contract |
| Licensing | - | NYC DOHMH required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Boston?
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-based.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Boston?
State Breed Ban: None. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based. State Law: MGL c.140 §157. Local BSL: Some attempts, mixed results.
New York FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Manhattan?
Yes. New York State law preempts any breed ban. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and all breeds are legal under AG&M Law 123.
Can my co-op board ban a breed?
Yes, private buildings can set breed or weight restrictions in their house rules. That is a contract matter, not municipal law.
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