Advocacy Updates

October 2025

Rally to Restrict Rodenticide

We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy at the Protect Animals from Rodenticide rally and hearing at the State House on Monday! We were joined by Mass Audubon, New England Wildlife Center, and over 70 advocates from across Massachusetts to testify in front of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in support of S. 644/H. 965: An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment. This legislation, sponsored by Representative Jim Hawkins and Senator Mike Moore, would restrict the use of Anticoagulant Rodenticides (ARs) in Massachusetts to protect wildlife, pets, people, and the environment. Learn how you can submit written testimony in support of this legislation.

Action for Pet-Inclusive Housing

The MSPCA-Angell just launched a new campaign focused on one of the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts residents—the housing crisis. The campaign—called Action for Pet-Inclusive Housing: Keeping Families Together—comes as kennel space across the state is tight with more owners forced to surrender due to housing-related issues. Did you know that almost 1/3 of animals surrendered to the MSPCA come to us because their families can’t find housing that allows their pet? Our companion animals—who we consider part of our families—are often not welcome in a variety of housing situations, which results in families being split apart and animals surrendered to shelters.

In addition to this, we testified before the Joint Committee on Housing in favor of S. 1022/H. 1559: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets./H. 1559: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets. This legislation ensures that certain state-aided housing cannot discriminate against, or include language that limits, a tenant or resident’s ability to live in that type of housing based on the size, weight, or perceived breed of a dog owned by a tenant/resident. It also puts a cap on the amount for pet rent a landlord can charge and prevents insurance companies from discriminating based on dog breed.

Seasonal Insights

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As many as 48% of domestic violence survivors will refuse or delay leaving a violent situation out of concern for a companion animal. However, finding safe and affordable housing in the state of Massachusetts is a daunting task, with only 7% of available rental units accepting pets without weight or breed restrictions. MSPCA-Angell’s Action for Pet Inclusive Housing seeks to change this reality for survivors and all who recognize their animals as family. Let’s work together to support survivors by creating housing opportunities that leave no one behind.

Many families are facing uncertain times as they lose access to SNAP benefits. Requests for our pet food pantry are already increasing and we want to be able to meet the need! Please consider sending a bag of food if you are able. In addition, the MSPCA-Angell is inviting schools, businesses, and community groups to help ensure no pet goes hungry this holiday season. Find out how to create your own food drive!

Keep Pets Safe This Halloween!

Halloween is a fun time for humans, but it can be stressful—or even dangerous—for our four-legged family members. This season, it’s important to ensure that pets are kept safe, happy, and comfortable while everyone enjoys the festivities. The veterinary team at Angell Animal Medical Center encourages all pet owners to follow these safety tips and remain vigilant throughout the fall season. With a little preparation, your pets can enjoy a safe and happy Halloween alongside the rest of the family. Wishing you and your furry friends a spook-tacular and safe Halloween!

Victory for Yes on 3!

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld Question 3, the landmark law ensures that egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal have space to stand up, turn around, and spread their limbs. This law — a ballot question that passed with 77.7% of the vote in 2016 — also prohibits the sale of products in Massachusetts from animals confined in these conditions regardless of where they were raised.

In the Triumph v. Campbell decision on October 3, the court rejected all of the pork industry’s arguments, confirming that the law is constitutional and not preempted by federal law. “The pork industry’s attempts to avoid complying with the law continue to fail. We are thankful for the Attorney General’s office for the hard work defending this challenge and for the ongoing work of the coalition of organizations working with us to ensure the law is followed,” states Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy at the MSPCA-Angell.

Legislative Update: Hearings Galore!

In the months of September and October, we testified in person, virtually, and in writing on over 40 pieces of legislation before 8 different legislative committees. While our department works hard to focus on every piece of legislation, one thing abundantly clear — we couldn’t do it without our volunteers. During the recent hearings, 27 Community Advocacy Leaders (C.A.L.s) spoke up for animals by testifying before state legislators and submitting written testimony on 14 different animal protection bills. A huge thank you goes out to all of our MSPCA Community Advocacy Leaders who champion animal welfare every day, whether testifying at the State House or advocating in their own communities. Your dedication drives real change for animals across Massachusetts.

Although this round of hearings is wrapping up, our advocacy work is far from over! If you’re passionate about speaking up for animals and want to make a difference, consider joining our team as a Community Advocacy Leader. Learn more and apply on our website or reach out to bdezolt@mspca.org with any questions.

Advocate Spotlight: Jamie Blackburn

Jamie Blackburn has joined our Advocacy Team in the newly created Housing Policy Specialist position. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University and has worked over 15 years in the nonprofit sector, specializing in health and housing policy at the state and federal levels. For the last 7 years, she has volunteered as a foster home for several local rescue organizations, helping to find homes for over 50 dogs. She lives with her family including 3 rescue dogs Ben, Ellie, and Bean and two rescue cats, Mr. Cuddles and Wednesday.

Jamie’s position is instrumental as the MSPCA-Angell is embarks on its new campaign to develop and implement strategies to create more pet-inclusive housing in Massachusetts.