Advocacy Updates

September 2021

Fall Brings Hearings!

Yesterday, we testified before the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee on two important bills — S. 1322/H. 2148: An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns. Filed by Senator Harriette Chandler and Rep. Linda Dean Campbell, these bills would do many things to protect animals, including prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens under eight weeks of age; requiring the promulgation of regulations for kennels used for boarding and “doggie daycare” as well as certain breeding kennels; ending the roadside sale of dogs and cats; and clarifying that dogs and cats are not considered livestock. Please contact your state senator and state representative and ask them to support these bills. You can learn more and see if your legislators are co-sponsors on our website. And stay tuned for more fall hearings!

Get Involved!

Advocate for Animals Training on 10/19

Wondering how to get involved in improving animal protection laws in Massachusetts? Join staff from the MSPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund at this virtual Advocate for Animals Training on Tuesday, October 19th at 6pm. 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. Registration is required.

Register Today!

Nominate an Animal Control Officer!

We are now taking nominations for this year’s Massachusetts ACO of the Year award! This award was established to honor an animal control officer whose efforts in his/her local community throughout the year demonstrate: a dedicated, humane attitude toward the treatment and well-being of all animals; effective enforcement of pet responsibility laws; a commitment to public awareness and humane education programs; cooperative working relationships with other agencies, and more. Nominations are due tomorrow, September 30.

Nominate an ACO!

Federal Legislation That Needs Your Voice

Legislation was just introduced in the U.S. Congress that could be disastrous for animals. The EATS Act (S. 2619/H.R. 4999), is designed to wipe out state laws that ban the cruel cage confinement of egg-laying chickens, mother pigs, and baby veal calves, eliminating the wishes of 78% of Massachusetts residents who supported our own Question 3 in 2016.

The fight to end dog racing in the United States is advancing in Congress! The Greyhound Protection Act (H.R. 3335) has been filed to phase out greyhound racing in all fifty states (Massachusetts passed a greyhound racing ban in 2008). This bill will also help greyhounds around the world, as it will stop Americans from gambling on foreign dog races.

TAKE ACTION
Please contact your U.S. Senators and Congressional Representative and urge them to oppose the EATS Act and co-sponsor the Greyhound Protection Act!

Look up your legislators’ contact information.

Legislation Spotlight: Traveling Acts

S. 2251/H. 3376: An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows filed by Senators Tarr and Gomez/Representatives Ehrlich and Jones.

Primates (ring-tailed lemurs) are on exhibition at this year’s Big E by Commerford & Sons traveling zoo. Two years ago, Commerford transported Beulah, an elephant who spent over 50 years performing in traveling acts, to Massachusetts to be used for entertainment at the Big E. Tragically, it was her last event, as she would collapse during the fair and die shortly after. Records later revealed that at the time of her death she suffered from a painful infection of the uterus.

The lemurs and Beulah are just a few of the thousands of exotic animals being hauled across the country to be exhibited. These animals, used in performances and for rides at traveling shows, are subjected to abusive training and a life on the road, deprived of exercise and the ability to express even the most basic, natural behaviors.

Right now, legislation to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts is in front of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and we need your voice. Learn more and take action to help these animals.

In the News…

Co-Existence Needed with Coyotes

“’They’re out there, and they’re here to stay. The best thing we can do is learn how to live with them,’ said Elizabeth Magner, Animal Advocacy Specialist for the MSPCA.” The article further says, “One of the world’s most adaptable animals, coyotes have learned to live in urban environments. As they become more accustomed to their surroundings…they can grow less fearful of their human neighbors.” —Boston Globe

Beagle Bill Gives Lab Animals Second Chance

An Act protecting research animals provides thousands of dogs and cats used in local research labs a second chance at life. This legislation gives dogs and cats the opportunity to live a life in a home as an adopted pet once their time in the research laboratory has come to an end—an opportunity that each of these dogs and cats deserve. —WGBH Boston

Regulations For Pet-Boarding Facilities In MA

Massachusetts pets suffer because of insufficient standards for boarding kennels and dog daycare facilities. “[Injury/death] happens too often, and it’s avoidable. We can put standards in place that make sure these animals are protected and consumers know that they can trust a place.” -Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy, MSPCA-Angell. —WBZ News, CBS Boston

Social Media Update!

MSPCA Animal Action Team social media is moving! You can now see all of our advocacy, legislative updates, wildlife information, and other content on the MSPCA-Angell Facebook page and MSPCA-Angell Instagram!

We have created an Animal Action Team group on Facebook within the MSPCA-Angell page where advocates can discuss and ask questions, we can share legislative-specific updates, and share more “in the weeds” advocacy content. Please join our group!