BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) joined Governor Charlie Baker and legislative colleagues at the ceremonial bill signing of legislation intended to enhance humane treatment of animals, and to punish those who engage in animal cruelty.
“With the signing of this bill, our Commonwealth took another step forward in ensuring protections for animals,” said Senator Moore who served as the Senate Chair of the legislative committee which advanced the bill. “I appreciate the hard work of legislative colleagues, animal rights advocates and the Governor for helping to strengthen animal cruelty prevention measures.”
Key provisions of the legislation include increasing certain penalties for animal abuse, and requiring property owners and landlords to check property for abandoned animals within three days following a foreclosure or termination of tenancy.
During the signing event, Senator Moore had the opportunity to engage with a variety of animals at the MSPCA Adoption Center including a dog named Cherry who is a victim of dog fighting. The new law removes a requirement to automatically kill animals involved in animal fighting and creates other options for victims, like Cherry, so they may find permanent homes.
The legislation furthers anti-abuse measures first secured in the 2014 Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety “PAWS” bill. To learn more about the newly-signed law, please click below.