March 2010
Dear MAC members and friends,
It is time for an Advocacy Council update!
As you may or may not remember, we are in the second year of the 2009-2010 legislative cycle. That means that bills that were filed in early 2009 technically have until the end of 2010 to pass. In reality, "formal sessions" wrap up at the end of July, so advocates working on any matter that may be deemed "controversial" should plan to pass it by then. However, the initial subject matter-based "joint committees" that hold initial hearings on bills have until March 17th to report bills out (send to "study", give it an "ought to pass" or an "ought not to pass") and could act at any time. The pets and domestic violence bill (H. 1499) below has the tightest deadline at this point!
While there are many animal-related bills pending, we are reporting on those that are most relevant to MAC's goals, those of its members and the day-to-day work members do, as well as bills that many members have otherwise expressed a clear interest in. (For more complete lists of animal-related legislation, you can visit the state's site where bills can be searched via keyword at www.mass.gov/legis or you can visit MAC's webpage).
What is happening/has happened this session:
• S. 2172, a bill to update animal control passed the Senate and is now in House Ways and Means.
• H. 4285, a bill to add an aversive agent to antifreeze (to prevent the poisoning of kids and pets) passed the House and is now in Senate Ethics and Rules (this is just one of the many committees bills get sent to, but it needs to be released from this committee to move to the Senate floor.
• H.1499, a bill that would add pets to protection orders in domestic violence cases is still in Judiciary Committee and needs calls (see below).
• H. 3703 and H. 3704. These bills to regulate shelters and rescues were just released with a favorable report. These bills, both called "An Act relative to the regulation of animal shelters," would amend Chapter 129 of the MA general laws by adding this new section:
Section 39E: Animal Shelters and Rescue (rehoming) Organizations
SECTION 1. Definitions:
"Shelter" - Any 501 (c)3 organization or other IRS not for profit status organization that finds homes for unowned animals. "Rescue Organization" - A 501 (c)3 organization or other IRS not for profit status organization other than a shelter as defined in this act that arranges for transfer of unowned dogs and cats to temporary or permanent homes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
"Department" - Department of Agricultural Resources
SECTION 2: The Department may promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of shelter and rescue organizations operating or conducting business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the transfer of ownership of domestic animals, including but not limited to their importation, transportation, housing and medical treatment.
Because this bill probably has the most potential to impact the work of shelters, we've been asked what else we know about who filed it and why. The bills were filed by Rep. Khan (she filed H. 3704; now in House Ways and Means) and Rep. Hill (he filed H. 3703; now in House Steering and Policy). Why the bills (with the same language) are in different committees is not clear. There isn't recorded testimony or any written support for the bill we found, except for that of the Mass Federation of Dog Clubs; you can read the position paper here.
What Can You Do?
1. Know who your 2 state legislators are (go to www.wheredoivotema.com to find out) and contact them about the issues that are most important and impact you the most. You can meet, call them, email or write. The more personalized the communication, the better. Meetings (they often have district ones) are best and then phone or letters that are written from your point of view are more powerful.
2. The MSPCA is holding several workshops to let people know how to become more involved in the legislative process, how to contact elected officials, etc. Visit www.mspca.org/lobby101
3. Email info@massanimalcoalition.org and ask to be involved in the MAC Advocacy Council. We evaluate legislation and recommend what action, if any, MAC should take on legislative issues with MAC's mission and members in mind.
4. Because time is running out for the pets and domestic violence bill, you may wish to contact your two state legislators to ask their support for this bill (especially if they are on the Judiciary Committee). Also, ask them to let the chairs of the Judiciary Committee - Senator Creem and Representative O'Flaherty -- know they support this bill and want to see it get a favorable report. For more information and to take action, visit www.mspca.org/petsandviolence
Now is the time to take action!
Thanks, MAC Advocacy Council
p.s. a last minute update: We just found out that Worcester is considering breed-specific legislation. More information on here.
