MSPCA’s Advocacy Team Unveils Ambitious 2023 Animal Protection Agenda

Group Voices Optimism—and Dogged Determination—in Pursuit of Ever-Stronger Policy and Legislation

 BOSTON, Jan. 25, 2023– The MSPCA’s Advocacy Team is outlining an ambitious slate of proposals in the new legislative session, headlined by an updated version of Ollie’s Law, a measure that would regulate dog daycare and boarding facilities.

“It’s been years since we began fighting to get some standards in place,” said MSPCA Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist. “And in that time, dozens of dogs have died as a result of unregulated facilities, deaths that could have been prevented if Ollie’s Law was in place. It’s well past time for these protections to be adopted.”

The measure includes regulations regarding supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, and injury reporting.

A Revamped Proposal

Holmquist says changes have been made to the original proposal to protect more animals.

“The updated measure will impact dog daycare facilities, boarding kennels and high-volume breeders,” she explained. “As it stands, these entities are outliers that consumers assume have minimum regulations for care. We as a state are well behind where we should be when it comes to protecting animals in these businesses and consumers who support them.”

“With the new Administration and new committee assignments in the Legislature, we believe that this is the session that Ollie’s Law and some other significant animal protection laws will be enacted,” added Holmquist.

An Ambitious Year

In addition to Ollie’s Law, Holmquist says the MSPCA is proposing several other consequential measures this session, including:

• Stopping Puppy Mills: This legislation bars any new businesses from selling dogs, cats and rabbits in Massachusetts. The businesses that currently sell those animals will be allowed to continue doing so, but they will not be able to open new locations. Said Holmquist, “New York recently passed a similar ban, and it’s imperative that Massachusetts follow suit in order to prevent inhumane out-of-state businesses from coming here to open because they’re no longer able to operate there.”
• Ending Inhumane Treatment of Animals in Performing Acts: This measure, also known as the “circus bill,” would prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts. “These kinds of acts subject animals to inhumane treatment, including cruel training and prolonged periods of extreme confinement. Fourteen Massachusetts communities have local bans in place, but animals will still suffer until there’s a statewide ban,” said Holmquist.
• Omnibus Animal Cruelty: Building on the PAWS II Act, this measure addresses situations where animals are kept in unsafe conditions and would prevent the sale of puppies and kittens under eight-weeks-old. It would also add the consideration of protecting animals in the dangerousness statute. Explains Holmquist, “With this bill, the safety of an animal, in addition to that of a person and the community, would be considered when a judicial officer determines whether or not a person is a danger.” She added, “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.”

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’re really excited that the State House is fully open for this new session,” said Holmquist. “It allows us to go to Beacon Hill to advocate for these laws in person, and we would love for those also interested in helping animals to join us.”