(Reference image)Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury) announced recently the passing of legislation improving several areas of the existing law dealing with sale and treatment of animals in the State. The bill S.1155 specifically addresses safety and breeding standards to protect pets and owners, as well as prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens younger than eight weeks old, and outlines a process for veterinarians to declare an animal suffering from a significant adverse health condition to be “unfit for sale.”
The second bill, S.2332, encompasses several key components recommended by the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force constituted under the original PAWS Act, among them:
- Require animal abuse be reported by the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Elder Affairs, and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. Adds animal control officers as mandatory reporters of child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse against disabled persons;
- Increase penalties in animal control laws that provide non-criminal penalties for abuse. Double the existing penalty of a $50 fine for a second offence to $100, and increased the $100 penalty for a forth offense to $500;
- Declare that drowning of animals as a violation of law; Prohibit engaging in sexual contact with an animal punishable by up to 7 years in prison or a fine of not more than $5,000;
- Remove a requirement to automatically kill animals involved in animal fighting. This bill creates other options for these animal victims;
- Include the crimes of animal cruelty to serve as the basis for a request for a determination of detention and or release upon conditions;
- Prohibit insurance companies and housing authorities to refuse insurance coverage or housing with breed restrictions;
- Property owners and landlords must check property for abandoned animals within three days following a foreclosure or termination of tenancy.
The legislation also empowers the Department of Agriculture to create rules and regulations to ensure commercial breeders maintain humane conditions.
“As a proud dog owner, and having served as an Environmental Police Officer, I certainly recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable animal populations. I was pleased to offer my support for this legislation which offers commonsense reforms to enhance breeding, safety and care standards to protect pets and pet owners.”
—Senator Michael O. Moore, (D-Millbury)
To follow the development of both Senate bills, check the following links here and here.
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