Governor signs abuse and exploitation measure

On June 20, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed H. 4744, An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department was on-hand to celebrate this big step forward to protect victims of abuse and their pets.

Among many other important provisions, this law recognizes coercive control as a form of abuse.

Coercive control is defined as “a pattern of behavior intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes that family or household member to reasonably fear physical harm or have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy”.  

Law Includes Animal Provision

The law includes both “threatening to commit cruelty or abuse to an animal connected to the family or household member” and “a single act intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes the family or household member to reasonably fear physical harm or have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy of…committing or attempting to commit abuse to an animal connected to the family or household member.”

The Link

Tragically, we know that there is a link between violence and threats of violence against pets and other household family members.

Coercive control can often include animal abuse.

Over 71% of domestic violence survivors report that their partners killed, harmed or threatened animals as a means of demonstrating authority.

Further, pets are often a major factor in whether a survivor leaves the home. Up to 48% of survivors report delaying leaving their home based on concerns regarding a pet.  

In 2012, Massachusetts allowed for pets to be included in 209A abuse prevention orders.

This law is yet another important step forward for Massachusetts to appropriately protect survivors and their pets.

Continued Advocacy

The signing of this bill by Governor Healey is incredibly important, however, there is still work to be done by the Massachusetts Legislature to protect animals in the Commonwealth before the end of the legislative session.

There are a number of potential bills that ARL will continue to advocate for, but if you are passionate about protecting animals in the state, please visit ARL’s advocacy page to see these bills and learn more how you can help!