Breed Restrictions: Somerville vs Waltham
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
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