Massachusetts
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state, territory, 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. Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Massachusetts
Overall Rank: #2 (Top Tier)
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, 2025.
Legislative Session
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Recent Victories
Protect Wildlife with Safe Crossings (Massachusetts)
Wildlife Crossings Project Provision of the Transportation Bond Bill (SEC 40 of H.5151)
Requires study of the feasibility of and creating an action plan for wildlife crossings projects 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.4915)
Prohibits the use of certain wild animals in circuses and traveling shows in Massachusetts.
Ordinance to Prohibit the Sale of Guinea Pigs in Pet Shops (Boston, Massachusetts)
Docket #0626
Would expand the city’s existing ban on the pet store sale of commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits to additionally include guinea pigs
Preventing Convicted Wildlife Poachers from Hunting in Massachusetts (Massachusetts)
An Act Further Regulating the Enforcement of Illegal Hunting Practices (H.4442)
Modernizes penalties for illegal hunting and enters Massachusetts in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Active Cases
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Active Legislation
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Animal Legal Defense Fund 2025 Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws