1. Governor Signs Ollie’s Law!
We are thrilled that Governor Maura Healey signed “Ollie’s Law” into law! The measure is named after a seven-month-old Labradoodle, Ollie, who was hurt in a dog daycare and died due to his injuries. His case and others across the state demonstrated the need for commonsense standards and regulations at dog daycares and boarding facilities — something that will help protect animals, consumers, and employees of those facilities. This new law takes effect tomorrow!
2. Animal Protection Victories on the Local Level
Many cities and towns passed animal protection ordinances this year! This awesome work builds momentum for an issue and has been shown to help push state legislation over the finish line (hello circus bill!) New ordinances and bylaws include: fur bans in Arlington and Attleboro; a pet shop ban in Arlington; and rodenticide measures in Newbury, Brookline, Lexington, Newton, Arlington, Eastham, Orleans, and Wellfleet. Learn how to make change in your community!
3. Our Community Advocacy Leaders
Our Community Advocacy Leaders (CAL) program celebrated its first full year in action. CALs spent over 2,500 hours advocating for animals, testifying before legislators, working to pass local ordinances, and teaching the members of their community about animal protection issues. Incredible work! If you want to be more involved and join this amazing team, please email Bethany at bdezolt@mspca.org.
4. Staff Attorney Improving Outcomes for Animals
Animals like this puppy named Strawberry are spending less time in the shelter and get to meet new families quicker thanks to legal work done by our Staff Attorney, Lynsey Legier. When MSPCA Law Enforcement must seize animals in animal cruelty cases, Lynsey intervenes in the criminal case on behalf of MSPCA. Lynsey’s effective use of filing petitions in the court (pursuant to a statute we passed in 2001) enables seized animals to be forfeited or surrendered more efficiently, ensuring animals spend less time in “legal limbo” as evidence awaiting the adjudication of a case.
Thank you Lynsey!
5. After Two Decades, Victory for Wild and Exotic Animals
Governor Maura Healey signed legislation to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts! These acts pose a risk to public health and safety, in addition to raising animal welfare issues. Thank you to the sponsors and to the advocates across the state who worked so hard to make this happen — your calls, emails, and meetings all mattered! This law takes effect on January 1. Learn more and see the many people who deserve thanks.
6. Collaboration Across Animal Protection Orgs.
Our Staff Attorney and Law Enforcement Department have been working hard to make sure effective collaboration when it comes to preventing animal cruelty. Our team along with other animal protection organizations and Boston Animal Care and Control have been working to train and update police departments, prosecutors, veterinary clinic and hospital staffs, and animal control officers on animal cruelty laws and protocols.
7. Removing Breed Barriers for Families
On January 7, a new law takes effect that increases the time limit human services employees or contractors can report suspected animal abuse. It also removes prohibitions for adoptive and foster homes based solely on dog breeds, allowing more parents and children to become family. We are working on the effective implementation of this law. Learn more about these changes!
8. Public Appreciation for Wildlife Grows
Appreciation for our local wildlife is growing across our state through demonstrated support for animals like Nibi the beaver and the hundreds of advocates working to reduce rodenticides in our environment. Grassroots advocacy has reached every level of the government and every corner of the state! We are excited for this advocacy momentum when the new legislative session starts in January!
9. Events at the State House
It was a great year of events at the Massachusetts State House! From Pets and Policy Day, to Lobby Day for Animals, to our Declawing information Day, we had successful advocacy events with legislators and advocates! Each event focused on different legislative efforts to protect animals and ensure that Massachusetts leads the way. Legislators and staff saw that animal issues matter to their constituents and responded with actions to push bills through! Join us for our January training on the 2025-2026 legislative session. And stay tuned for events such as Lobby Day for Animals 2025!
10. Kara Holmquist Celebrates 30 Years at MSPCA-Angell
This year marks Kara Holmquist’s 30th anniversary with MSPCA-Angell! Kara started her career with the MSPCA as an Advocacy intern. In 1994, Kara joined the team as an employee, graduated with a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, and since 2003 has served as the Director of Advocacy. During her tenure, Kara has helped to pass some of the most crucial legislation to protect companion animals, farmed animals, and wildlife!
We want to thank all of you for helping us advocate for animals this year. We could not do this work without you, and your participation is key to help get the best outcomes for animals.
Happy pawlidays,
MSPCA Advocacy