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The MSPCA’s legislative and public policy work is essential to bringing about long-term change for all animals. We work locally, on the state level, and nationally to improve animal protection laws and regulations. This work is sustained through our volunteer Animal Action Team members, who take action by write letters, make phone calls, attend lobby days at the Massachusetts State House, and meet with legislators to help improve the lives of animals.
We work on a wide range of issues, impacting wild and domestic animals, and using our expertise and experience to design and execute strategies to create the best outcomes for animals through education, policies, laws, the legal system, and by building and participating in coalitions.
We can be reached at advocacy [at] www.mspca.org or via 617-522-7400.
Kara Holmquist
Kara is the Director of Advocacy at the MSPCA. She has a law degree from Suffolk University Law School. She has held leadership positions in the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, the Mass. Bar Association’s Animal Law Practice Group, and the Link Up Education Network (a group that addresses the link between animal cruelty and human violence). Kara lives with two dogs, Rosebud and Kona, and three cats: Speckles, Charlie, and Joaquin.
Elizabeth Magner
Liz is the Animal Advocacy Specialist at the MSPCA. In graduate school at Boston College, where she received a Ph.D. in political sociology, Liz led a successful campaign to change Boston College Dining Service’s egg sourcing from caged to cage-free eggs. Prior to working for the MSPCA, she worked at Rise for Animals, an animal protection organization dedicated to ending the use of animals in research and testing. Liz lives with her husband, two kids, and one fluffy feline, Sophie.
Melissa Ekvall
Melissa is the Senior Animal Protection Research and Outreach Coordinator at the MSPCA. Melissa holds a Master’s degree in animal physiology from West Virginia University. Prior to working at the MSPCA, she was part of the Citizens for Farm Animal Protection Massachusetts ballot initiative as Campaign Coordinator. After the successful passage of Yes on 3, Melissa joined the MSPCA family as a Client Liaison at Angell Animal Medical Center. In 2018, she made the move to her current role within the MSPCA Advocacy Department, as Research and Outreach Coordinator. Melissa grew up in Groton, MA and currently lives in Boston with her husband, son, and their Shih Tzus, Charlie and Fudge.
Lynsey Legier
Lynsey is the Staff Attorney for the MSPCA Animal Protection Division (APD). Lynsey is a former Assistant District Attorney, who for over ten years specialized in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. As part of the prosecution of these very important cases – that highlight the link between violence perpetrated against both humans and animals – Lynsey vigorously advocated on behalf of those voiceless animal victims who had been harmed by the humans they trusted to keep them safe. She is a resource for law enforcement, animal control officers, other Assistant District Attorneys, judges, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system. As Staff Attorney, Lynsey supports the APD by addressing legal issues with animal cruelty cases and with the holding of seized or abandoned animals. She also provides guidance in other types of civil actions that could help animals at risk achieve better outcomes, as well as assisting with legislative drafting and other advocacy matters.
Bethany DeZolt
Bethany is the Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator at the MSPCA. She received her Master’s in Animal and Public Policy at Tufts University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations with a Concentration in Conflict Resolution from the George Washington University. While living in D.C, Bethany interned with the ASPCA Government Relations team and developed a passion for animal advocacy. As the Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator, Bethany manages our Community Advocacy Leader Program and assists advocates throughout Massachusetts in strengthening their capacity and advocacy skills. She is from Amsterdam, New York, and currently lives in Boston.
