New pet and animal legislation in Massachusetts

April 5, 12:27 AMBoston Pets ExaminerMia Carter

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On April 14, 2009, animal welfare organizations and animal advocates will be making their way to the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill in a show of support for pro-animal legislation.

An array of pet and animal-related bills will be addressed in the coming months by Massachusetts politicians, including bills that would ban devocalization of companion animals (House Bill 344) and a bill that would allow for the creation of trust funds for pets (House Bill 1467).

MA Legislation Supported by Animal Advocates

Animal lovers and pet owners will likely support the following bills, scheduled for hearings during the 2009-2010 legislative session:

• An Act to Update the Animal Control Laws  (Senate Bill 406)
• An Act Relating to Pets and Abuse Prevention (House Bill 1499)
• An Act Establishing a Massachusetts Spay/Neuter Fund (Senate Bill 778)
• An Act Relating to the Treatment of Elephants (Senate Bill 1870)
• An Act Related to the Sale of Paraphernalia from Dog Fights (Senate Bill 1466)
• An Act to Clarify the Animal Cruelty Law (House Bill 1303)
• An Act Requiring the Posting of a Security for the Seizure and Impoundment of Animals (House Bill 1969)
• An Act to Require the Addition of a Bittering Agent to Antifreeze (House Bill 400)
• An Act Prohibiting the Cruel Confinement of Certain Farm Animals (House Bill 815)
• An Act Relative to the Protection of Animals Against Domestic Violence (Senate Bill 1710)
• An Act to Protect Animals in Domestic Violence Cases (House Bill 1319)
• An Act Prohibiting Devocalization of Dogs and Cats (House Bill 344)
• An Act Relative to Hunting or Trapping on Private Land (House Bill 851)  

Legislation in Massachusetts Opposed by Animal Advocates

Animal advocates and animal welfare organizations like the MSPCA currently oppose several pieces of legislation that are expected to be addressed during the current legislative session, including laws that would delay the implementation of Ballot Question 3, a ban on greyhound racing (Senate Docket 1641), an act that would permit a moose hunting season (House Bill 739) and an act that would allow hunting in Massachusetts on Sundays (House Bill 3321).

Other bills opposed by animal welfare organizations like the MSPCA include:

• An Act Relative to Greyhound Racing (Senate Docket 1641)
• An Act Relative to the Control of Coyotes (House Bill 747)
• An Act Relative to the Property Damage Caused by Beavers (House Bill 745)
• An Act Expanding the Powers of the Direction of Wildlife and Fisheries (House Bill 729)
• An Act Relating to Hunting on Sundays (House Bill 2231)
• An Act Relating to the Moose Population (House Bill 739)
• An Act Providing for the Statewide Conservation of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Senate Bill 373)

Wondering how you can be an advocate for animals? Consider calling or writing a letter or e-mail to your local state senator or house representative to express your support for a particular piece of legislation that's related to pets or animals.

To learn more about animal and pet-related legislation, visit the MSPCA's website.

Animal lovers and pet owners in the Boston area may also want to consider taking part in the 2009 Lobby Day for Animals or join the MSPCA's Animal Action Team.

(S.S. Photo)