Lobbying for PAWS II Passage
ARL Co-Hosts Event at Massachusetts State House
On Wednesday, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined legislators, animal advocates and other animal organizations for a special event at the Massachusetts State House, to directly lobby law makers for the passage of S. 2347: An Act to Protect Animal Welfare and Safety in Cities and Towns (PAWS II).
PAWS II recently passed in the Massachusetts Senate and will soon be addressed in the House.
Nearly 100 constituents and animal advocates were on hand to learn specific aspects of the omnibus bill, lobbying strategies, and finally to meet face to face with legislators.
PAWS II
On the heels of the horrific discovery of Puppy Doe and ensuing investigation in 2013, the original PAWS Act was passed in 2014, which strengthened animal cruelty penalties in Massachusetts, and also created the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force, of which ARL was a member.
PAWS II derives from recommendations made by the task force and would protect animals in the Commonwealth in a multitude of ways.
If passed, the bill would:
- Require the cross-reporting of animal abuse;
- Prohibit the drowning of animals;
- Prohibit the automatic killing of animal fighting victims;
- Prohibit discrimination against dog breeds;
- Require property owners to look for animals when property is vacated and notify the police or an animal control officer if an animal is found; and
- Prohibit sexual contact with an animal or forcing a child to engage in sexual contact with an animal.
ARL thanks Senators Mark Montigny, Bruce Tarr, and Karen Spilka for their continued efforts to fight animal cruelty and abuse in the Commonwealth. ARL would also like to thank our colleagues at the MSPCA, HSUS for collaborative advocacy efforts.
PAWS II is just one of several bills that is a part of ARL’s Legislative Agenda. With your help, we can further protect animals throughout the Commonwealth!