Massachusetts Leash Laws

Massachusetts has no statewide leash law. Leash and at-large rules come from cities and counties, so the answer depends on where you are.

Massachusetts leash law at a glance

What Massachusetts state law says

• Local officials may order dogs restrained from running at large (s. 167).
• Dogs must be leashed in designated highway rest areas (s. 174B).
• Section 174E limits tethering and chaining.
• Dangerous-dog orders may require restraint but not tying to a stationary object (s. 157(c)).

Local leash ordinances

City and county codes do most of the work here. They typically say when a dog must be leashed, how long the leash can be, which parks allow off-leash dogs, and what fines apply when a dog is found running loose.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of Massachusetts dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Massachusetts dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws