Government Affairs

Latest News

The MSPCA's legislative and public policy work is essential to bring about long-term change for animals. We work locally and nationally to improve animal protection laws and regulations. This work is sustained through our volunteer Animal Action Team members who write letters, make phone calls, attend lobby days at the State House and meet with legislators to help improve the lives of animals.

	Learn How to Speak Out for Animals and then Attend a Public Hearing It's public hearing season. We're having Lobby 101 Animal Advocacy training sessions to prepare you to speak out for animals. Join us at the State House on June 4th to testify on animal bills pending in the Municipalities committee.
	Donate to Advocacy You're interested in legislation, so you understand how important our work is to animals in Massachusetts. Please support our efforts with a donation to the Advocacy Department.
	Animal Control and Pets and Domestic Violence Signed - plus, Help Animals at Tax Time! Great news - the comprehensive animal control bill, S. 2192, was signed by the Governor on August 2nd. See pictures from the ceremony and read more! This law also created the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund; with the filing of 2012 taxes, Massachusetts taxpayers will have their first opportunity to donate to the Fund by checking the box on line 32f. Contributions to this Fund are used to help animals in a variety of ways. Read more.
	Pet Trust Law Now in Effect in Massachusetts Massachusetts now has pet trusts. This new law allows for legally enforceable trusts to provide for the care of one or more animals if the trust’s creator becomes incapacitated or dies; people's wishes and directions regarding their companion animals will be carried out if they set up a trust for their pet(s). Read more>>
	Somerville becomes 6th Mass. municipality to pass ban on traveling wild animal acts Somerville, Mass. 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 and circus issues and ordinances to work on this issue in your community.