Breed Restrictions: Newton vs Somerville
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?
Newton and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Newton, MA
Middlesex County
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.
View full Newton 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 | Newton | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Breed bans | Prohibited by MGL c.140 s.157A | - |
| Newton policy | Behavior-based enforcement only | - |
| Hearings | Dangerous dog under s.157 | - |
| Penalties | Muzzle, insurance, confinement | - |
| Private exceptions | Landlords, HOAs, insurers allowed | - |
| 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.
Newton FAQ
Can Newton ban pit bulls?
No, Massachusetts state law prohibits any breed-specific municipal ordinance, so Newton cannot enact a ban.
What if my dog bites someone?
A dangerous dog hearing under MGL c.140 s.157 determines outcomes based on the dogs behavior, not breed.
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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