Animal Ordinances in Middlesex County, MA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Middlesex County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Chickens & Livestock

Chicken and livestock rules vary by Middlesex town. Urban cities like Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford allow small flocks with permits; suburbs like Lexington and Concord allow larger flocks with setbacks.

Chickens and Livestock in Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs in Middlesex County must be leashed in public under local bylaws issued per MGL c.140 s.173A. Most cities require 6-foot maximum leash; off-leash parks exist in Cambridge, Somerville, and many suburbs.

Dog Leash Laws in Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Breed Restrictions

Massachusetts law prohibits breed-specific legislation. Under MGL c.140 s.157A (2012), no Middlesex County city or town can ban or restrict dogs based on breed. Regulation is behavior-based only.

Dog Breed Restrictions in Middlesex County

Few Restrictions

MGL Part I, Title XX, Chapter 140, Section 157A — Non-compliance of dog owner or keeper with order; transferring ownership or selling of dangerous dog

Section 157A. (a) An owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with an order of a hearing authority or district court shall be punished, for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days in a jail or house of correction, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days in a...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Beekeeping

Beekeepers in Middlesex County must register colonies annually with MDAR under MGL c.128 s.31A. Local zoning may add hive setbacks of 10-25 feet from property lines.

Beekeeping Rules in Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding wildlife in Middlesex County is restricted by local bylaws and MassWildlife rules. Intentionally feeding deer, bears, turkeys, and coyotes is prohibited statewide; bird feeding is generally allowed.

Wildlife Feeding Rules in Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Livestock

Livestock in Middlesex County is restricted to rural and agricultural zones. Urban and inner-suburban communities prohibit horses, goats, pigs, and cattle; western Middlesex permits them on large lots.