In a Banner Year for Animal Welfare, Massachusetts Pets Gain Additional Protections
BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 — A week has passed since the landslide passage of Question 3—the ballot measure mandating that battery hens, pigs and calves be housed in ways that allow them to stand up, turn around and fully extend their limbs—and an array of additional animal protections, signed into law this past August by Governor Charlie Baker, are set to take effect tomorrow.
“An Act Preventing Animal Suffering and Death” prohibits the tethering of dogs outside between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. as well as in times when weather advisories have been issued or when extreme conditions such as cold, snow or hail pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of dogs.
The new law also enables cruelty investigators from the MSPCA-Angell and the Animal Rescue League of Boston—in addition to local animal control offers—to issue citations when dogs are housed in conditions deemed cruel, such as exposure to excessive animal waste, garbage, dirty water, noxious odors and other potentially dangerous circumstances. Fines range from $50 for a first time offense to $300 for subsequent violations.
And, with winter fast approaching, the new law ensures animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and fire fighters have the authority to remove an animal from a car and cite the owner when conditions such as extreme cold (or heat) threaten the animal’s safety. This essential protection is in place all year long and—with 2016 now set to be the warmest year on record—dogs trapped in hot cars next year will be even more vulnerable should this trend continue.
“We are grateful that these additional protection for animals are now law and we will be able to provide relief for more animals. Being able to issue a citation will prevent suffering and prevent situations escalating to be severe enough for a felony animal cruelty charge,” said Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy for the MSPCA-Angell.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions from individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mspcaangell
