What is the law on dangerous breeds of dogs?

In Massachusetts, there is no statewide law that restricts or bans dangerous breeds of dogs. However, some cities and towns have adopted breed-specific laws. For example, some localities have passed laws that hold owners of certain breeds of dogs, like pit bulls, to a higher standard of responsibility. In Massachusetts, the general law surrounding dog bites is that a dog owner is liable for the damages caused by their pet if the victim can prove the owner was negligent. This means that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care to protect people from the dog’s behavior. Negligence can include failing to use proper restraints, failing to warn people of a potentially dangerous animal, or ignoring behavior that indicates the dog could be aggressive. Dog owners may be considered legally responsible for harm caused by their dog even if the dog was not considered to be a dangerous breed. Thus, Massachusetts law makes all dog owners responsible for the behavior of their pet, regardless of their breed. In summary, Massachusetts does not have a specific law regarding dangerous breeds of dogs. However, some localities have breed-specific laws holding owners of certain breeds to a higher standard and owners of any breed can be held liable for harm caused by their pet.

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What is the law on dangerous breeds of dogs?

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