Group Voices Optimism—and Dogged Determination—in Pursuit of Ever-Stronger Policy and Legislation
BOSTON, Jan. 28, 2025– The MSPCA’s Advocacy Team is outlining an ambitious slate of proposals in the new legislative session, headlined by efforts to reduce animal suffering and promote the human-animal bond.
“On the heels of success for animals in the last session, we’re excited to pursue another ambitious agenda,” said MSPCA Advocacy Director, Kara Holmquist. “Our priorities are rooted in the needs we see through the day-to-day work we do on the ground across the state.”
An Ambitious Year
According to Holmquist, the MSPCA is proposing several consequential measures this session, including:
- Keeping People and Pets Together: Housing is the number one reason dogs are surrendered and impacts the length of stay for dogs at shelters who spend more time waiting for homes. Proposed 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 their dog.
- Stopping Puppy Mills: This legislation seeks to stop the pipeline of animals from “puppy mills” and other “animal mills” that sell dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in Massachusetts. Said Holmquist, “New York passed a similar ban that just went into effect, and it’s imperative that we in Massachusetts follow suit in order to prevent businesses there from coming here to open because they’re no longer able to operate in New York.”
- Preventing Animal Cruelty: Building on the PAWS II Act, this measure addresses situations where animals are kept in unsafe conditions. Explained Holmquist, “We’ve made a lot of progress, but there are still cracks in our laws through which animals can, and do, fall. We’ll be working hard to close those gaps to keep many more animals safe.”
Additionally, the MSPCA is working to protect wildlife and pets by phasing out certain harmful rodenticides and supporting measures to end the use of animals for testing cosmetics and household products. More information on those and other legislation the MSPCA supports may be found on its website.
“We’re also committed to making sure that the myriad bills passed in the last session, including Ollie’s Law, are fully implemented,” added Holmquist.
Be Part of the Change!
The MSPCA’s Advocacy Department is seeking those passionate about animal welfare to help get these bills made into laws.
“We can’t achieve success without people reaching out to their legislators,” said Holmquist. “We encourage those interested in helping animals to join us!”
Those interested in joining the MSPCA’s Animal Action Team can learn more and sign up at mspca.org/JoinTheTeam. Additionally, the MSPCA is hosting a webinar on newly filed animal protection legislation on January 28. More information and a registration link can be found here.