Massachusetts Legislative Updates

• The “Beagle Bill” was signed into law by Governor Baker on August 4, 2022, requiring that research institutions in Massachusetts cannot euthanize a healthy dog or cat without first trying to find the animal an adoptive home, via a private placement or a shelter/rescue organization.
• The current legislative session started in January 2023 and will run through December 21, 2024.

Massachusetts Legislative Resources

• MSPCA  Advocacy: Provides information about the latest legislative issues concerning animals. This link also includes information on how you can get involved in protecting animals by joining their Animal Action Team.
• Animal Rescue League of Boston information on state legislation
• Contact your Massachusetts State Director for HSUS
• ASPCA Advocacy Center:  sign up to receive alerts on MA issues
• Links to help you find your elected officials

Massachusetts Laws and Regulations

Many of the statutes pertaining to animals can be found in Chapter 272 (for animal cruelty) and Chapter 140 (for animal control).

• For some summaries, see the Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries website
• Pocket Guide on animal-related laws in Massachusetts
• General Mass. cruelty statute
• An Act Preventing Suffering and Death (2016) Chapter 140, Section 174E
• Shelter/rescue regulations and policies:

• • Final regulations for shelters and rescues (March 2020)
  • Mass Dept of Agricultural Resources shelter/rescue page
  • Emergency Order for Shelters
  • See MAC’s comprehensive page on this regulatory issue