Massachusetts
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Massachusetts
Overall Rank: #8 (Top Tier)
- +Felony provisions for cruelty, neglect, fighting, abandonment, and sexual assault
- +Mandatory post-conviction forfeiture
- +Protection orders may include animals
- -Standards for minimum acceptable care for animals (e.g. necessary food, water, shelter) are not well-defined
- -No statutorily authorized sentencing to mental health evaluation or treatment
Animal Protection Laws of Massachusetts
The Animal Protection Laws of Massachusetts compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Massachusetts with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
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Recent Victories
Funding Critical Animal Health Services In Massachusetts FY2021 State Budget
State Budget Allocates Funds for Spay, Neuter, and Vaccination Services
Governor signs state budget allocating $50k to provide critical animal health services to animals in need.
Funding Critical Health Services for Animals In Need (Massachusetts)
State Budget Allocates Funds for Spay, Neuter, and Vaccination Services
Governor signs state budget allocating funds to provide critical animal health services—including spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations—to animals in need.
Ending Killing Contests in Massachusetts
Regulation enacted on December 18, 2019
In 2019, Massachusetts adopted regulations banning killing contests for certain animals, including coyotes, foxes, and bobcats.
Active Cases
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Active Legislation
Protecting Animals from Rat Poisons (Massachusetts)
An Act Relative to Pesticides (S.487/H.825)
Would reduce the use of rat poisons in Massachusetts to protect wild animals as well as companion animals
Banning the Sale of Fur (Massachusetts)
An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Fur Products (H.849/S.590)
Bans the sale of new fur products, including clothing, fashion accessories, and home décor, in the Commonwealth.
Protecting Animals Used in Circuses (Massachusetts)
An Act Relative to the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, and Bears in Traveling Exhibits and Shows (S.2197/S.2189/H.3245)
Prohibits the use of certain wild animals in circuses and traveling shows in Massachusetts.
Animal Possession Ban (Massachusetts)
An Act to Protect Animals From Convicted Animal Abusers (H.1703/S.1076)
Bars people convicted of animal cruelty from possessing, adopting, or fostering animals for at least five years after their release from custody
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws