The Humane Society of the United States applauds Gov. Deval Patrick for signing S.2192, “An Act Further Regulating Animal Control,” into law. Sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, the bill strengthens animal protection laws in Massachusetts, providing extensive and more comprehensive protection for animals across the state in a variety of areas.
“Many advocates made this exciting victory for animals possible,” said Alexis Fox, Massachusetts state director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States was honored to work with the MSPCA, Governor Patrick and the dedicated animal control officers, humane legislators and animal lovers throughout the Commonwealth who showed that with dedication and collaboration we can pass legislation that will prevent cruelty and animal homelessness before they can occur.”
With many of the animal control laws in Massachusetts outdated, the bill addresses current animal control issues facing the state more efficiently and effectively.
The new law will:
- Prohibit discriminatory breed specific legislation that regulates or bans specific breeds of dogs
- Protect both people and animals from acts of domestic violence by including pets in restraining orders
- Require all animal control officers to receive mandatory training in a variety of key safety areas including animal capture techniques and animal CPR
- Ban the cruel and inhumane practice of carbon monoxide gas chamber euthanasia for shelter animals
- Reduce the homeless animal population through the creation of a Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, funded by voluntary tax return donations, to cover veterinary care and spay/neuter costs for homeless dogs and cats
“This important legislation, which has long been one of my top priorities, makes critical changes to our outdated animal control laws,” said Sen. Jehlen. “The new law will improve the lives of pets and the humans that love them.”
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