Breed Restrictions: Cambridge vs Waltham
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Waltham, MA?
Cambridge and Waltham 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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts state law prohibits breed-specific legislation, so Waltham cannot ban pit bulls or any breed, but dangerous dog rules apply regardless of breed.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State BSL Ban | - | MGL c.140 s.157A |
| Local Bans | - | Prohibited by state |
| Dangerous Dog | - | Based on behavior |
| Remedies | - | Muzzle, enclosure, insurance |
| Hearing Body | - | Animal control hearing |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Can Waltham ban my pit bull?
No, Massachusetts prohibits all breed-specific bans under c.140 s.157A.
What if my dog bites someone?
Animal Control investigates and may declare the individual dog dangerous.
Compare other topics
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