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400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
(978) 687-7453
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347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
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Community Advocacy Leader Spotlight

Susan Walker

Susan has always been passionate about animal rights and welfare, and is very happy to have been a member of the MSPCA CAL program since Jan 2023. She has volunteered with the MSPCA in different capacities since 2011, including work with the advocacy program from 2017-2018 with research efforts on: MA Farm Animal Jurisdiction, Lyme Disease and Deer Populations, MA Hunting Posting Law, and Killing Contest Bans.


1. What made you most interested in?

Particular areas of interest of mine include welfare of farm animals, protection of wildlife and ending testing on animals, but I am also passionate about any animal rights welfare legislation and hope to be a part of doing as much as we can for animals in our state.

2. What made you interested in animal advocacy?

I have always been an animal lover, and have volunteered in different ways with animals, like at the MSPCA shelter in the past. When I think about issues that affect animals and how I wish the world was a better place for them, advocacy was a great way to feel like I am making a meaningful impact at a bigger scale.

3. What made you want to join the C.A.L. program?

I was reached out about joining CAL when the program started, and thought it sounded like a great way to learn more about the bills being advocated, and meet other people with the same interest. It has been a great way to increase my advocacy efforts, I feel much more informed and empowered from being a part of the program.

4. What is your favorite thing about it?

I love seeing a group of animal advocates come together with the same goal. I have been able to find local CAL members near me, and together we started South Shore Voters for Animals, which makes it really exciting to see what we can do together! When the Circus Bill and Ollie’s Law passed this session it really made it feel that our efforts played a role and we are helping make a difference.

5. What has been your favorite thing you have done since being in it?

Since being in the group, I have been able to really increase my involvement in advocacy efforts. I have met my legislators in person, submitted testimony for bills, and learned a lot about bills this session from different speakers that offered great perspectives and advice. Lobby Day for Animals was also a great way to meet other CALs and get together at the State House.

6. What is one of your greatest takeaways so far?

I think it can feel intimidating, especially if you are more quiet like I am, to picture what advocacy might look like. I would really encourage that no matter what aspect of animal rights motivates you, or whatever way to be involved you feel comfortable with, any and all contributions really do add up. The fact that you are a voting constituent alone gives you power with your legislators,  and there can be real power in numbers when people with the same goals come together.

7. What would you say to someone who is interested in advocating for animals?

An awareness that when a bill that impacts animals passes, you might never meet the animals it saves or directly see for yourself the impact – but knowing that law changes can reach so many animals that are suffering, and that our actions do make a big difference to them, is really motivating and important to remember.