Massachusetts dog laws for owners of powerful dogs

M.G.L. c. 140, section 155 governs liability for damage caused by a dog, including special rules for minors and presumptions and burden of proof. The Nolo summary of Massachusetts dog bite law says an owner can be held civilly liable even without knowing the dog might be dangerous and even after taking precautions, subject to exceptions such as trespass or provocation. The state's own Massachusetts jury instruction on dog liability sets out how courts explain these claims to juries.

Under section 157, any person may file a written complaint with the local hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog. The statute then provides for orders, appeals and consequences for violating an order.

section 157A says no person shall transfer ownership or possession of a dog they know, or reasonably should know, has been deemed dangerous under section 157, or offer such a dog for sale, without informing the recipient. Ask any seller directly whether the dog has ever been the subject of a complaint.

Call your insurer before the dog comes home, and read your lease or condo bylaws. State law does not override either.