Currently, two crucial pieces of legislation are being considered at the Massachusetts State House that would support strong protections for animals.
S. 1142/H. 1718:
An Act relative to the humane protection of animals This legislation contains a collection of measures which work to strengthen and finesse our animal cruelty laws. This omnibus legislation will give law enforcement, animal control officers, judges, and district attorneys more options when it comes to addressing animals in cruel conditions before they become life threatening.
Other provisions include:
- Prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old
- Facilitating mental health evaluations and treatment to prevent recidivism and protect animals from those who have previously harmed animals
- Prohibiting the roadside sale of animals
- Clarifying that dogs are not livestock
- Providing additional funds to the Massachusetts Animal Fund
and;
S. 1076/H. 1703:
Protecting animals from convicted animal abusers This legislation would prohibit a person who is convicted of animal cruelty from owning or possessing an animal for a period of time determined by the court. It also would enable additional monies to be directed to the Massachusetts Animal Fund for the purpose of spaying/neutering and vaccinating homeless dogs and cats or those who live with families who could not otherwise afford these services.
Sign and urge your state legislators to support strong protections for animals by passing these bills!Dear Legislator,
While Massachusetts has strong animal protection laws in many areas, we are missing many components to make sure we have all the tools to prevent animal cruelty.
News recently broke of a local case of animal abuse where the defendant had a previous conviction of animal cruelty. She is now being charged again after a dog in her care, Jobee, was found starved. He survived, as well as a second neglected dog, Remy, who was also found living with Jobee.
S. 1076/H. 1703, An Act relative to the ownership of pets by convicted animal abusers ("Possession Ban Bill") would prohibit a person who is convicted of animal cruelty from owning or possessing an animal for a period of time determined by the court.
1142/H. 1718, An Act relative to the humane protection of animals, contains a collection of measures which work to strengthen and finesse our animal cruelty laws. This omnibus legislation will give animal control officers, judges, and district attorneys more options when it comes to addressing animal situations before they become life threatening.
This bill also would prevent the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks and facilitate mental health evaluations and treatment to prevent recidivism and protect animals.
We can continue to be a leader for animals in Massachusetts, but too many times situations escalate to felony animal cruelty. We can prevent this -- and improve the lives of animals and keep people out of the judicial system -- if there are better laws that provide more ways to ensure situations are addressed earlier and recidivism is minimized. Please support these bills.
Sincerely,
[Name]
