Is it illegal to own a pitbull in Massachusetts?

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Breed Specific Restrictions
While the state of Massachusetts does restrict pit bull ownership and breeding, this also applies to other dogs that are close in relation or those known to have vicious or dangerous behavior which could cause more severe injury.



Also question is, what pets are illegal in Massachusetts?

You can't own these pets in Massachusetts

  • The list of animals that you cannot own, no matter how badly you want to, includes: juniperfoxx.
  • #1: Foxes. It's devastating, but it's true.
  • #2: Monkeys.
  • #3: Wolves.
  • #1: Boas and pythons.
  • #2: Hedgehogs.

Additionally, what cities have banned pit bulls? These are the 10 states that have the most cities banning dog breeds.
  1. Iowa. Rottweilers are subject to breed bans.
  2. Kansas. Doberman pinschers face bans.
  3. Ohio. Pit bulls have it hard in Ohio.
  4. Missouri. Pilot Grove, Missouri, bans chow chows, among other breeds.
  5. Wisconsin.
  6. Mississippi.
  7. Arkansas.
  8. Michigan.

Similarly, can you have a pitbull in Boston?

This is not the only town in the area that has passed a muzzle ordinance; nearby Everett, Worchester, and the city of Boston also require Pit Bulls and their lookalikes – American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, or mixes – to be muzzled.

Do you need a license to breed dogs in Massachusetts?

Under new legislation introduced in the Massachusetts Senate, anyone who breeds a single dog or cat must be licensed and registered by the state, and open their home to intrusive home inspections. Licensees are prohibited from allowing a cat or dog to be bred more than once per year.

35 Related Question Answers Found

How many dogs can I own in Massachusetts?

How many dogs can a person have in their home? Residents may have three (3) licensed dogs. If the dogs have puppies, the puppies may stay with the mothers for six (6) months. Anyone housing more than three (3) adult dogs would need to apply for a kennel license in the Town Clerk's office.

Can you own a sloth in Massachusetts?

your permit only allows for you, personally, to keep the sloth on your premises, in the state. It doesn't allow for a pet sitter. You can't board it. You could probably take it with you, but no motel will allow it, and if you cross the state line it will be taken away from you.

Can you own a monkey in MA?

Gray said Massachusetts has very strict laws governing exotic or endangered animals, and that what may be a legal pet in other states may not be allowed in Massachusetts. Marmosets, as well as all other monkeys, fall into a category of animals which require a permit to keep in Massachusetts.

Can you shoot squirrels in Massachusetts?

To hunt gray squirrel in Massachusetts you must have certain licenses, which you can buy through MassFishHunt. Massachusetts residents: Hunting or sporting license. No additional permits.

Can you have a pet owl in Massachusetts?


The United States does not allow private individuals to keep native owls as pets--they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or certain species may be used for falconry in

What exotic animals can you own in Massachusetts?

So if you're thinking just a dog or a cat might not do it for you, there are some exotic animals you can own in Massachusetts. Hedgehogs, chinchillas and Southern Flying Squirrels are all legal in the state.

How many horses can you own per acre in Massachusetts?

The equine industry uses about 8,638 acres of land for horse pastures and 4,836 acres in hay land. When including farmstead and woodland areas, it is estimated that the equine industry uses about 40,786 acres of agricultural land in Massachusetts. There are currently about 26,000 horses in Massachusetts.

Is animal cruelty a felony in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Animal Cruelty Laws. Chapter 272, Section 77 of Massachusetts General Law prohibits animal abuse, neglect and cruelty. In Massachusetts, violation of this statute constitutes a felony crime.

Do pitbulls have to wear muzzles?

Do pit bulls always need to wear a muzzle? No, the only dogs that need to wear a muzzle in public are dogs that have issues with aggression, that is, they have bitten another dog or person and are likely to bite again.

What happens if your dog bites someone in Massachusetts?


Under the Massachusetts Dog Bite Statute, an injured person can sue for pain-and-suffering damages, lost wages, past medical bills, or future medical bills.

How do I register my dog in Massachusetts?

You need to license your dog if they're older than six months. You must get the license before April 1 of each year. You'll need to provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of them being spayed or neutered. If you are renewing a dog license, you'll need to give us your dog's license number.

Is there a leash law in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a statewide leash law that prohibits having dogs off-leash in public places. Many cities have designated dog parks where owners may let their pets off-leash. Boston's laws for owning a pet state that owners must have their dogs under control when not at home or in a fenced-in yard.

Are pitbulls banned in UK?

Both the ownership and breeding of pit bulls is banned in the UK due to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. They're not the only breed that's outlawed, either. The other three breeds that were outlawed in this Act were the Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.

What state has the most pit bulls?

Complete Rankings
Rank State
1 Oregon
2 Colorado
3 Maine
4 California

Why are pit bulls banned in Denver?


The City and County of Denver passed the ban in 1989 after two attacks resulting in death and serious injury. According to the proposal, a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association has found pit bulls are not disproportionately dangerous compared with other dogs.

What states is it illegal to own a pitbull?

The states that don't have any BSL being enforced or prohibit BSL are Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia.

What dogs are illegal in the US?

Because of those stereotypes, many cities now ban specific dog breeds across the United States.

This Is the Most Commonly Banned Dog Breed in the U.S.
  1. Pit bull.
  2. Rottweiler.
  3. Wolf dog.
  4. Presa canario.
  5. Doberman pinscher.
  6. Chow chow.
  7. American bulldog.
  8. German shepherd.