Advocacy Updates

Co-Sponsors Needed for Animal Protection Legislation

The 2021-2022 legislative session in Massachusetts is just beginning, with many animal protection bills filed by the deadline in February. We need your help to ensure that these bills have a lot of support! One way you can help is by asking your state senator and state representative to co-sponsor important animal protection bills this session. See a full list of critical animal protection legislation here.

If you haven’t already, take action below, and contact your state legislators to ask them to co-sponsor animal protection legislation including protecting animals from cruel conditions, ending the use of exotic animals in traveling shows in MA, protecting pets from former animal abusers, and more!

Take Action

Advocates Learn to Pass Municipal Laws at Virtual Summit

The second Summit on Passing Municipal Laws for Animals held in February was a huge success, despite the pandemic-imposed limitations. The virtual event focused on empowering animal advocates across Massachusetts to pass animal protection legislation in their communities, and provided advocates an opportunity to hear from local elected officials as well as advocates about their experiences. Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, and participants came away better informed and motivated to take action.

Learn More

Events

Virtual Advocate for Animals Workshop – Thursday, March 25, from 6:00pm-7:30pm

Wondering how to get involved in improving animal protection in Massachusetts? At this virtual event we will discuss changes at the State House due to COVID-19, the legislative process, current legislation you can take action on, and different ways that you can effectively use your voice to make a difference for animals. This is a great chance to connect with other people in your community who are interested in animal protection issues. Advance registration is required.

We will be joined by special guest, Representative Ted Philips – 8th Norfolk!

Register Now

Fast & Furriest Fitness Challenge

This year, our annual 5K has a fresh new format as the Fast and Furriest Fitness Challenge! This year’s event has gone virtual and will feature a sweet opportunity to win entries for a drawing for a Peloton Plus*! Never has fundraising for animals been more exciting – and motivating.

Sign Up Today

*Official sweepstakes rules can be found here

Legislation Spotlight: Hen Welfare

SD 212/HD 596: An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards

Sponsored by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Dan Cahill

In 2016, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly passed Question 3, the Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals, which prohibits the confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs, and calves raised for veal in spaces that prevent them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, or turning around freely. Since then, leading retailers, producers, and other states have mandated even stronger standards in the shift to cage-free conditions for hens. The legislature has the opportunity to upgrade this law, bringing it in line with the new — stronger — welfare standard and expanding its application to liquid eggs (those often used in restaurants).

HD 596 and SD 212 update existing MA law to mirror the higher national cage-free standard of the egg industry, including by providing enrichments like areas for hens to dustbathe, perch, scratch, and lay eggs in a nest. The bill sponsors, the Attorney General, and a coalition of animal welfare and producers backing HD 596 and SD 212 have pledged their support to increase welfare standards, and enhance market and regulatory certainty.

Please take action and ask your state legislators to support HD 596 and SD 212.

State House Newcomer Already Advocating for Animals
 State Senator Adam Gomez

Senator Gomez is in his first term serving the Hampden District, consisting of three communities: Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee. Though new to legislature, he is already advocating for animals as a lead sponsor of An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. Learn more about this legislation.

“As a lifelong animal lover, this was a no-brainer for me to support. These bills prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts. These shows are not only detrimental to animal welfare, but also present a public safety risk to viewers.”

We look forward to a great relationship!