Advocacy Updates

March 2023

 Lexington Now 6th Municipality to Ban Fur

Lexington is now the sixth Massachusetts community to ban the sale of fur in its borders! In a near unanimous vote on March 20, Lexington town meeting members approved the bylaw, which prohibits the sale of new fur products, including articles of clothing, accessories, and home decor.

MSPCA Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist says the ban is more significant than people may realize. “Even if people aren’t buying fur coats, they still may be wearing fur without knowing it,” she explained. “Fur is prevalent in winter clothing—in the lining of coat hoods and as an accent on some wool hats.”

“That’s why we need more communities to take the major step that Lexington voters took last night, banning fur sales and pushing stores to sell cruelty-free alternatives that don’t rely on hurting animals,” she added. Dr. Dinesh Patel and his grandchildren presented and shepherded this bylaw to success, with the assistance of the MSPCA, Fur-Free Massachusetts, and HSUS. Read more about the Lexington bylaw and the pending state law in the news.

If you are interested in working on a bylaw in your community, learn more on our website.

  Legislators Visit Nevins Farm

From Left to Right: Representative Ryan Hamilton, Representative Frank Moran, Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Estela Reyes, Representative Vanna Howard, Senator Ed Kennedy.

On March 3, six Merrimack Valley legislators joined the advocacy department for a tour of Nevins Farm in Methuen. Nevins serves about 7,000 animals each year, through direct care, including outreach in surrounding communities to help keep people and their pets together. The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to see some of the organization’s front-line work, and learn about the intersection between on the ground issues and our policy work.

HOUSEKEEPING: Keeping up with us on social media is a helpful way to get the most up to date information on bill hearings, special events, and needed action. Join our Animal Action Team Facebook group and follow us on Twitter to be the first to know of timely information.

Wildlife Corner

Funding Available to Resolve Bear and Beaver Conflicts Humanely in Western Mass 

Spring is upon us, which means it’s not just beautiful flowers poking their heads out! Bears are starting to emerge from their winter dens—and they are ravenous! Make sure there are no human-associated food sources on or around your property. Take down bird feeders, feed companion animals inside, and stow refuse securely until right before pick-up.

The MSPCA is able to provide financial support in purchasing bear-proof receptacles to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and any other entities located in Berkshire County. Learn more and apply for funding.

Having troubles with beavers? Funding is available to help install water flow devices to mitigate beaver-related flooding in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire County. If instead beavers are trapped, new beavers will simply move in, and flooding-related problems will repeat themselves. Learn more about the benefits of beavers and apply for funding. These programs are possible due to a grant from the Nion Robert Thieriot Foundation.

Pupping Season is Here!

Coyotes are well established across Massachusetts. They mate in late winter and their pups will be leaving the den in the coming spring months. This time of year it’s especially important to take common sense precautions to avoid coyote conflicts. Never feed coyotes, secure all refuse, walk dogs on a short leash, aggressively haze any coyotes behaving inappropriately, and share these tips with your neighbors. Learn more on our website and take our Coexist with Coyotes Pledge. Municipalities and municipal entities (e.g., libraries, animal control offices) can also request free wildlife conflict prevention pamphlets.

LOCAL ANIMALS NEED YOUR HELP! Please consider donating on Line 33f of the MA state income tax form, so the Massachusetts Animal Fund can continue to answer the pleas from Commonwealth animals in need!

Through your donations on Line 33f, the Fund was able to help over 2,000 local animals last year. 1 in every 6 of those animals needed urgent services for life-threatening medical conditions, safety concerns, or relinquishment prevention. Learn more about the Mass Animal Fund. 

There’s Still Time for Your Legislators to Co-Sponsor Animal Bills!

In January, we told you about co-sponsor time, which is when legislators are able to “sign on” to bills to show their support. Thanks to all the outreach you’ve done to your legislators, our bills have a ton of support! But, more is always better. A bill with lots of co-sponsors has a better chance when moving through the legislative process. We also call upon co-sponsors for help if a bill is stuck or needs extra attention.

If you haven’t already, please reach out to your state representative and state senator to ask that they co-sponsor animal protection bills that are important to you. Learn more about the legislation that needs co-sponsors. For a quick check to see what bills your legislators have sponsored or co-sponsored, visit our Animal Scorecard.

Tragic Passing of Bald Eagle Renews Calls for Rodenticide Ban

In February, MK, a female bald eagle who had been nesting with her mate in Arlington, died of suspected poisoning after ingesting rodents who had consumed rodenticides, despite efforts by wildlife rehabilitators to save her. These poisons cause painful internal hemorrhaging and ultimately often death. They not only hurt individual animals, but also threaten the health of certain wildlife populations, including eagles, owls, and bobcats.

A bill that would monitor and reduce the use of these poisons in Massachusetts is pending and has been sponsored by Representative Jim Hawkins and Senator Paul Feeney. This bill would require that public institutions of higher education implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, an approach where wildlife conflicts are resolved with minimal risks to humans, wild animals, and the environment. State law already requires schools and child care centers to adopt IPM strategies. This legislation was engrossed by both the House and Senate last session, but just didn’t get to the final step. Learn more about this issue and how you can help.

Proposed Possession Ban for Animal Abusers Makes Headlines

Currently in Massachusetts, only animal abusers who have committed animal sex crimes are subject to a ban from owning pets, leaving other  animal abusers free to acquire a pet even if convicted of, for example, animal neglect or mutilation. A bill introduced by Senator Mike Moore, Representative Tram Nguyen, and Representative Vanna Howard, would close this gap by prohibiting animal cruelty offenders from owning or possessing an animal for at least 5 years. Violators could also face fines of $1,000 per animal, which would go to the Mass Animal Fund. On March 3, NBC 10 Boston covered this issue. Watch here.

This legislation would protect not only animals, but people as well. The link between animal abuse and domestic violence has been well documented. Across the United States, roughly 20 states already have legislation like this on the books. Learn more on our website.

Join Us at Upcoming Events

Join us for an in-person advocate for animals training seminar! Learn about new legislation and how you can use your voice for animals during the 2023-2024 legislative session. This is a great chance to connect with other people in your community who are interested in animal protection issues.

Wild Chestnut Cafe in Northampton
Thursday, March 30, 2023
6:00pm – 7:00pm

Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy
Thursday, May 18, 2023
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Register for these programs on our website.

Additionally, the Advocacy Department will be at the following events: 

April 8 – Mass School of Law Animal Day
April 23 – VegFest 413
May 17- Ollie’s Law Rally at the State House
May 21 – New England VegFest
June 7 – Lobby Day for Animals at the State House