The Animal Protection Division of the MSPCA informs the public about issues, works for better animal-protection laws nationally and statewide and helps individuals and communities co-exist with animals.
<< View the navigation options at left to learn more about our programs in Animal Protection and Legislation.
Latest News
Worcester Considers Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Worcester, MA is the lastest city to think BSL is an effecive way to prevent dog bites. Find out why we don't believe BSL works, what alternatives to promote and what you can do, especially if you live in Worcester. Read more>>
Massachusetts House Passes Bill to Require the Addition of a Bittering Agent to Antifreeze
Most automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to animals and humans. The smell and taste of antifreeze is appealing to animals, who can be poisoned by even the relatively small amounts that leak out of cars and trucks. House Bill 4285 requires the addition of a bittering agent to make antifreeze unpalatable and prevent poisonings. Read more>>
What's the latest on Beacon Hill?
Here's a quick update on animal-related legislation in the 2009-2010 session. Read more>>
Somerville becomes 6th Mass. municipality to pass ban on traveling wild animal acts
Somerville, MA joined Weymouth, Braintree, Revere, Quincy and Provincetown with a local ordinance prohibiting the use of wild animals in traveling animal acts, like circuses! Read the ordinance and download a local action kit to work on this issue in your community.
State House Event Focus on the Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
Animal and domestic violence advocates, animal control and law enforcement officers, legislators and others recently participated in a legislative briefing on the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, urging the passage of a bill to protect both pets and people from violence. Take action here.
Read about the Cape Cod National Seashore's plan to work with the USDA to poison crows
Crows will be poisoned in Wellfleet, MA during the piping plover nesting season. Read the MSPCA's letter opposing the crow poisoning.
Learn about efforts to place retiring greyhounds
Greyhound racing has ended in Massachusetts. Find out about efforts to find homes for these dogs and how you can adopt one.
Let Brookstone know that selling live frogs isn't ok.
The unique gift store, Brookstone, is selling live frogs -- the Frog-O-Sphere -- in its stores. Find out more and take action»
Read about salmonella in African dwarf frogs.
It's NOT the Greatest Show for Elephants
Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus came to Massachusetts, despite a lawsuit pending against them at the time. Read more about the MSPCA's fight to protect elephants. See a recent Washington Post article about Ringling Bros. elephant training methods and view photos online.
Animal Action Team Legislative Trainings
Want to learn more about how to help animals by changing public policy? The MSPCA will be holding workshops across Massachusetts to explain the legislative process and how you can use your voice to make a difference for animals. Learn more and register for a workshop.
MSPCA Dog Training
The MSPCA offers a variety of classes from Pet Obedience to more advanced classes like Canine Good Citizen and Agility.
Surf for Animals
Surf the internet and help animals at goodsearch.com - a search engine that benefits the organization of your choice every time you use it.
