ACO's please read the bill and become familiar with it, the below information hits the highlights.
ACOAM and the MSPCA will have a synopsis of the bill for you.
We have 90 days to prepare.
Animal control professionals have been working on this bill for many years, it was a happy day for those of us with the responsibility to care for, protect, and lose sleep over then animals in our jurisdictions.
An amendment to the legislation that gives judicial protection for victims of domestic abuse now extends restraining orders to include the safety of pets in addition to the protection lent to members of a family or household.
The law also prevents the regulation of dogs based solely on breed.
Stating clearly, “No city or town shall regulate dogs in a manner that is specific to breed”, the legislation ends debate in cities and towns across the Commonwealth on whether specific breeds of dogs should be banned.
The law further states “no dog shall be deemed dangerous ... based upon the breed of such dog”.
The legislation also sets up the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, which will be used to vaccinate, spay, and neuter homeless dogs, cats, and those owned by low-income residents and to assist with the training of animal control officers. Revenue will come from a voluntary check-off on income tax returns, plus any gifts, grants or donations.
Other provisions of the law reduce the length of time communities are required to hold strays from ten days to seven, update state and community animal control laws and regulations and increase fines associated with animal cruelty..
