By Lauren Martin, MSPCA extern
Animal lovers and advocates converged at the Massachusetts State House on June 7 to show support for the animal-related bills that are currently in front of Massachusetts’ legislature. The MSPCA, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Humane Society of the United States worked together to organize Lobby Day for Animals where constituents attended meetings with their legislators to discuss the proposed bills.
Lobby Day for Animals began with registrants and legislators checking in and receiving materials on all current animal-related bills. Participants were able to sit with others from their part of the state and get to know the other people they would be attending their legislator meetings with. Massachusetts senators and representatives who sponsor these bills spoke at the event to share their commitment to helping animals and passing these bills. Constituents were then given opportunities to meet with their senators and representatives, with other constituents from their districts, to discuss the above bills and any other animal bills they are passionate about in hopes of garnering further support. Speaking to your legislators is the best way to get your point across and create change.
Four bills were the main focus of Lobby Day for Animals:
- S. 876/H. 1376 “An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets in an economic crisis and beyond” ensures that certain types of housing agreements (such as condo bylaws, some leases, etc.), as well as public housing authorities, cannot discriminate against the size, weight, or perceived breed of a dog owned by a tenant/resident.
- S. 2197/S. 2189/H. 3245: “An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows” prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts.
- S. 190: “An Act prohibiting inhumane feline declawing” prohibits the declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy of a cat.
And lastly, the omnibus animal cruelty bill including S. 1142/H. 1718: An Act relative to the humane protection of animals, S. 1076/H. 1703: Protecting animals from convicted animal abusers, and S. 1059/H. 2102: An Act enhancing the issuance of citations for cruel conditions for animals which all intend to strengthen animal cruelty law in Massachusetts.
Polkadog Bakery in Boston generously donated dog treats for participants and legislators to bring home to their own pets.
For more information on Lobby Day for Animals or any of these bills and how you can help please visit: https://www.mspca.org/get-involved/advocate-for-animals/
Also, be sure you are on our Animal Action Team list by visiting: www.mspca.org/jointheteam
