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.

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>>

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.

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.