Breed Restrictions: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge does not impose breed-specific restrictions; Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville does not impose breed-specific legislation because Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Ban | None (state preempted) | - |
| State Law | MGL c.140 s.157A | - |
| Dangerous Dog Rule | Behavior-based | - |
| Hearing Authority | Animal Commission | - |
| License | Annual, breed-neutral | - |
| Breed ban | - | None (state preempted) |
| Governing law | - | MGL c.140 s.157A |
| Dangerous-dog law | - | MGL c.140 s.157 |
| License required at | - | 6 months, annually |
| Private rules | - | Landlords may restrict |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can my Cambridge landlord ban pit bulls?
Yes. State preemption applies to municipal law, not private leases; landlords and condos may still set breed rules.
What happens if my dog bites someone in Cambridge?
A hearing under MGL c.140 s.157 follows, which can result in nuisance or dangerous-dog orders including muzzling and insurance.
Somerville FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Somerville?
No. Massachusetts state law blocks any municipal breed ban; individual dogs are regulated based on behavior, not breed.
Can my landlord refuse certain breeds?
Yes. Private landlords and condo associations may impose breed restrictions in leases; this is separate from city ordinance.
Compare other topics
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