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13
Dec
December 2021 Advocacy eNews
Posted on Dec, 13, 2021 by MSPCA Advocacy
Advocacy Updates
December 2021
Brookline Goes Fur-Free
Last week, Brookline became the 3rd community in Massachusetts (after Weston and Wellesley) to ban the retail sale of new fur products! Thank you to local advocate Ezra K., who led the fur-free campaign and to the Brookline town meeting members who overwhelmingly voted in support of the bylaw.
Consumers’ growing concern for animal welfare is leading fashion brands, cities, states, and countries to move away from animal fur once and for all. The time is now for Massachusetts to step up. Ask your state legislators to support S. 623/H. 965 sponsored by Senator John Velis and Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis which would prohibit the sale of new fur products in Massachusetts. Learn more about this legislation.
End of Year 2X Challenge Match
It’s been an extremely challenging year for us — and for the animals. The Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect everything we do to assist animals. We are so grateful that a group of donors has set up a $100,000 Challenge Match — challenging us to match that amount with gifts from friends like you. Any gift you send by midnight, December 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 to help us advocate for animals, prevent animal cruelty, and provide rescued animals with food, shelter, medical care — and lots of love! The MSPCA is a stand-alone, private, non-profit organization. We are not operated by any national humane organization. Please help us end the year on a strong note!
In November, we spoke at a rally in support of Ollie’s Law, H. 305. Ollie’s Law would require the state to set standards for boarding kennels and daycare facilities for dogs. As people head back to work, they need to know their pets are safe at daycare. We are working hand in hand with the Ollie’s Law coalition to protect pets in the Commonwealth, so that what happened to Ollie and his family does not happen again. Watch our Instagram Reel or TikTok of the event!
The Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture held a hearing in November on 7 of our priority bills, which made for a very busy day! We and coalition partners testified in support of bills that will:
• Facilitate adoption of research animals
• Ban the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet shops
• End the use of animals in product testing
• End the ivory and rhino horn trade in MA
• Regulate doggie day cares
• Ban the retail sale of fur
• Direct additional funds to the Mass. Animal Fund
Massachusetts Legislation Spotlight: Nero’s Law
S. 2573/H. 2547: An Act providing for the care and transportation of police dogs injured in the line of duty, a.k.a. “Nero’s Law”
Sponsored by Representative Steven Xiarhos and Senator Mark Montigny
Nero’s Law, which would allow a law enforcement dog injured in the line of duty to be transported in an ambulance if there is not competing need for human transport, was passed by the Senate on November 10! The town of Yarmouth suffered an incredible tragedy in April 2018 when Sergeant Sean Gannon was killed in the line of duty. Also injured in this vicious attack was Gannon’s canine partner, Nero. Nero suffered life-threatening injuries but was unable to be treated by emergency medical personnel. This bill will change this prohibition. We will continue to advocate for this bill as it now sits in the House of Representatives. Learn more about this legislation.
State Legislation on the Move
Declaw ban moves to Senate
The legislation that would prohibit declawing in our state has made it out of committee, and now heads to the Senate! S. 222 would prohibit declawing or any surgical procedure in which a portion of the cat’s paw is amputated in order to remove the animal’s claws. We oppose this non-beneficial surgery for many reasons, as a cat’s natural behaviors — agility and sense of balance are in part due to its retractable claws.
Poaching bill heads to House
The bill modernizing penalties for poaching — some of which have not been updated in nearly a century — is moving forward in the legislative process! We are working toward ending Massachusetts’ status as a poacher’s paradise!
H. 904 is currently being considered by the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Egg legislation moves to conference committee
An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards has passed both the House and Senate, and now resides in conference committee. The appointed members of this committee (Senators Rausch, Tarr, and Lewis; Representatives Dykema, Orrall, and Cahill) must now take the House and the Senate versions of this bill and negotiate on the final language that will be sent to the Governor’s desk.
Staff Profile: Lynsey Legier, Esq.
We would like to welcome the newest member of our Advocacy Department, Staff Attorney Lynsey Legier!
Lynsey is a former Assistant District Attorney who specialized in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases for over 10 years. As Staff Attorney, Lynsey will support the Animal Protection Division at the MSPCA by addressing legal issues with animal cruelty cases, holding seized or abandoned animals, assisting with legislative drafting, and other important matters to protect animals.
Welcome to the team, Lynsey!
Thank you for your advocacy this past year. We cannot wait to see what 2022 has in store for animals. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Posted on Dec, 13, 2021 by MSPCA Advocacy
