Breed Restrictions: Somerset vs Taunton
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Somerset, MA and Taunton, MA?
Somerset and Taunton have similar restriction levels.
Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Bristol County does not impose county-level breed restrictions. Massachusetts has no statewide breed ban preemption, allowing individual municipalities to set their own policies. Most Bristol County towns enforce dangerous dog provisions under MGL Ch. 140 rather than breed-specific bans.
View full Somerset rules →Taunton, MA
Bristol County
Taunton does not impose breed-specific legislation. The city enforces dangerous dog provisions under state law MGL Ch. 140. The Animal Shelter Advisory Commission assists with animal welfare policy. Dogs classified as dangerous must be restrained and muzzled.
View full Taunton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerset | Taunton |
|---|---|---|
| County BSL | None | - |
| State Preemption | No statewide breed ban preemption | - |
| Dangerous Dog | MGL Ch. 140 provisions apply | MGL Ch. 140 provisions apply |
| Authority | Individual municipalities | - |
| Breed Bans | - | None — no BSL |
| Advisory Commission | - | Animal Shelter Advisory Commission |
| Enforcement | - | Animal Control Officer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerset FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Bristol County?
Bristol County does not impose county-level breed restrictions. Massachusetts has no statewide breed ban preemption, allowing individual municipalities to set their own policies. Most Bristol County towns enforce dangerous dog provisions under MGL Ch. 140 rather than breed-specific bans.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Bristol County?
County BSL: None. State Preemption: No statewide breed ban preemption. Dangerous Dog: MGL Ch. 140 provisions apply. Authority: Individual municipalities.
Taunton FAQ
Are any dog breeds banned in Taunton?
Taunton does not impose breed-specific legislation. The city enforces dangerous dog provisions under state law MGL Ch. 140. The Animal Shelter Advisory Commission assists with animal welfare policy. Dogs classified as dangerous must be restrained and muzzled.
Are there pit bull restrictions in Taunton?
Breed Bans: None — no BSL. Dangerous Dog: MGL Ch. 140 provisions apply. Advisory Commission: Animal Shelter Advisory Commission. Enforcement: Animal Control Officer.
Compare other topics
See how Somerset and Taunton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool