Life just got a little safer for pets in Massachusetts. A new law in the state, An Act Further Regulating Animal Control, was signed into law on August 2, 2012 by Governor Deval Patrick, who said “I am pleased to sign this legislation that strengthens and improves our animal control laws to better protect and care for our state’s homeless animals.”

These are some of the new measures in the act:

• Establishes a state-wide homeless fund to fund spay/neuter surgeries in state shelters. The fund will be paid for by voluntary donations from citizens.
• Pets are added to domestic abuse prevention orders, which means that both humans and animals can be covered by restraining orders.
• Inhumane euthanasia methods for animals deemed too ill or aggressive for adoption are banned.
• Mandatory training including safe animal training and animal CPR is now required for animal control officers.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals worked hard to get the bill passed in Massachusetts. Great to see another state standing up for animals!

Photo of Gov. Patrick credited to the MSPCA