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Massachusetts becomes the 4th state to ban declawing

Governor Maura Healey signed into law a ban the cruel practice of declawing, an effort lead by Sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for several sessions.

Supported by animal protection organizations like the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and veterinarians across Massachusetts, this law will ensure that cats do not have to endure unnecessary and painful invasive procedures.

Declawing involves the amputation of bones on a cat’s foot or severing a tendon to prevent extension of the claws and often results in significant medical and behavioral problems for cats.

ARL has actively supported efforts to ban declawing in Massachusetts since the bill was first filed in 2019.

“The Governor’s signing into law a ban on feline declawing marks yet another achievement for animal protection this session. Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems. Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent cats in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering. We are thankful to the Governor for her signature, bill sponsor Senator Mark Montigny for his tireless leadership on this bill and commitment to making Massachusetts a better place for animals, as well as Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Chairs of Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Representative Tackey Chan and Senator John Cronin,” said Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL.

 

Two people standing next to each other, one is holding a kitten. A cardboard cutout of a cat with a speech bubble is in front of them.

Ally Blanck, Director of Advocacy at ARL, with Senator Mark Montigny


In addition to the ban on cat declawing, the following were also signed into law in 2024:

  • “Ollie’s Law,” which requires reasonable rules and regulations for dog daycares and boarding kennels.
  • A law to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts took effect on January 1.
  • As of January 7, a dog’s breed can no longer be a factor in determining whether a family can adopt or foster children. This bill also removed restrictive language that hindered employees and contractors of human services agencies from reporting suspected animal cruelty.
  • S. 2908, a bill with provisions that ban the sale of animals under eight weeks and prevent the roadside/outdoor sale of animals was also signed into law on January 8.

The declawing law takes effect on April 8. Violation of the law is a fine and can also include disciplinary action by the veterinary board.

Learn more about ARL’s advocacy efforts. 

ARL Joins Governor Healey for Ollie’s Law Bill Signing Ceremony

Ollie’s Law to establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities

Today, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), along with other animal welfare organizations and stakeholders, joined Governor Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House for a bill signing ceremony for Ollie’s Law – which will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities in the state.

Pictured left to right: ARL’s Media Relations Manager, Mike DeFina; Allison Blanck, ARL’s Director of Advovavy; Governor Maura Healey; ARL’s President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino

For the past two legislative sessions, ARL advocated heavily for the passage of this legislation to help establish across-the-board, reasonable regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, including home-based kennels, to help prevent situations where an animal can be injured, sometimes fatally.

Ollie’s Law was born out of tragedy.

In 2020, Amy Baxter brought her Labradoodle Ollie to a Western Massachusetts doggie daycare facility, only to receive a text shortly after saying Ollie had been attacked by other dogs.

He was severely injured, and sadly died of his injuries two months later.

While the facility was shuttered by town officials, Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedies like this never happen again.

This signing ceremony marks a tremendous victory for pet owners across the Commonwealth.

“ARL is immensely thankful to the Governor for her signature on Ollie’s Law,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Through the dedication of animal advocates and the support of the legislature, including bill sponsors Representative Brian Ashe and Senator Mark Montigny, Ollie’s Law creates a path to reasonable regulation to protect pets in daycare and boarding facilities across Massachusetts. At ARL we believe pets are family and we grateful that more pets and pet parents will benefit from this important law. Ollie’s Law will lessen the burden on consumers, creating clear standards and allowing for enforcement by both municipalities and the state when there are violations.  With pet ownership at historic highs, we know that there are more pet parents than ever who need these services. This law is crucial to keep Massachusetts a leader in animal protection.”

“Pets are family who provide boundless love and affection that we are lucky to receive,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), lead Senate sponsor of Ollie’s Law.  “For this reason, it is critical that we ensure all businesses entrusted with the care of our family adhere to proper health and safety protocols no matter what town they operate in across the Commonwealth.  Too often, we have heard devastating stories of pets like Ollie who have been injured or killed due to negligent care.  These people have no place caring for such precious creatures and it’s time that we implement consistent standards across Massachusetts.”

“With the passing of Ollie’s Law, we take a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. It is bittersweet as the tragic passing of Ollie made us painfully aware of the lack of safety regulations in dog day care facilities. This legislation sets practical standards for kennel care and reaffirms our commitment to treating all animals with the love and respect they deserve. The collaboration of individuals from all facets of the industry as well as pet owners was critical in crafting a bill that ensures consumers will have peace of mind when choosing pet care.  I would like to thank Ally Blanck and the ARL team for their hard work and commitment to this legislation.  Their assistance in navigating through the process combined with experience and a passion for animal rights was invaluable.”, remarked State Representative Brian Ashe.

What the Law Will Do

On the surface, Ollie’s Law will establish statewide regulations for pet boarding and daycare facilities, however, the law is comprehensive.

Ollie’s law will do the following:

  • Reinforce existing requirements for municipalities in defining what a boarding facility is and maintains protections regarding inspections
  • Adds the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to the list of authorized enforcement for commercial boarding facilities, allowing them to step in when a municipality can’t or won’t
  • Requires facilities report injuries to animals or people, MDAR will provide a form which can also be filled out by the public. Following an investigation, these reports will be made public
  • Authorizes MDAR to establish regulations for boarding facilities which may include:
    • Administrative: licensing, inspection, compliance and enforcement, use of best practices and operation
    • Animal Safety: provider and staff to animal ratios, fire and emergency planning, group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, utilities
    • Employee Safety and Training: body language interpretation, breed familiarity, dog handling, insurance, proper education and training of dog daycare staff, operational safety standards, risk management, and consumer education and protection
  • Establishes an advisory committee to assist with development and review of regulations and will consist of MDAR, licensed commercial boarding or training facility owners, animal control officers, kennel associations, veterinary professionals, members of the public, dog behavior experts, and shelter and rescue organizations (including ARL)

ARL’s Board Safely® Campaign

Spurred by heartbreaking stories much like Ollie’s, since 2019, ARL has offered the public help through the “Board Safely” campaign.

This important safety campaign provides pet parents a checklist of considerations before selecting a boarding facility.

Before you choose a boarding facility or doggie daycare, please visit ARL’s Board Safely page to help advocate for the safety of your beloved pet!

ARL to Recognize Pillar of Boston Nonprofit Community with Animal Advocate Award

Award winners exemplify compassion and commitment to advance ARL’s mission

During its upcoming Paws to Celebrate event at the iconic Hampshire House, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will recognize Grace Fey, a fixture of the Boston nonprofit community for her exceptional commitment to the organization’s focus in expanding access to pet wellness care throughout the Metro Boston area.

ARL’s Animal Advocate Award honors distinguished philanthropists and compassionate organizations who have made outstanding contributions to ARL and actively advance the well-being of animals in our community.

ARL is thrilled to recognize Grace Fey with this award for demonstrating profound generosity and an unwavering commitment to making a difference for animals and the people who love them.

She is a staunch supporter of expanding access to care for pet owners, ensuring pets can stay with the families who love them.

Grace is a shining example of compassion in action, inspiring us all to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.

“Grace is a visionary, seeing the interconnection of human and pet health,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “Grace’s power of connection has led to transformational partnerships within Greater Boston.  She understands that when non-profits work together their strengths are amplified and their reach is extended to create a healthier community for both pets and people.”

ARL will present Grace with her award on Tuesday, October 1, during its annual Paws to Celebrate event at the Hampshire House, which is a gathering of like-minded ARL supporters to celebrate their contributions and see first-hand how their support and involvement is helping animals in need, and the people who care for them.

Herb Chambers Partners with ARL for Too Hot for Spot® Campaign

This week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Herb Chambers welcomed members of the media to ARL’s Dedham Campus for a hot car demonstration as part of ARL’s annual Too Hot for Spot® safety campaign, which has educated pet owners about summer safety for a decade.

Herb Chambers is the newest community partner to join ARL in spreading this important summer pet safety message, and ARL continues to be grateful to the New England Revolution, Massachusetts State Police, and Massachusetts Department of Transportation for their ongoing support.

ARL is thrilled to have the well-known car magnate and animal lover lend his voice to highlight the importance of keeping our pets safe when the mercury rises.

Additionally, several Herb Chambers dealerships will soon be displaying Too Hot for Spot® materials, to further amplify the message.

ARL is marking 10 years of the Too Hot for Spot® campaign, but unfortunately, we are still seeing plenty of instances where an animal’s life is put in danger due to being left in a hot vehicle, several of which have happened in just the past month.

With temperatures this summer being well above average, it’s imperative this message reaches as many pet owners as possible.

Leaving an animal in a hot car is the number one cause of deadly heatstroke in pets.

When temperatures rise, so do concerns about animal safety.

Even when the mercury dips below 80 degrees, the threat of heat stroke still exists.

Within five minutes, a vehicle’s interior temperature can rise above 118 degrees on a 75-degree day, even with the windows cracked.

During this week’s hot car demonstration, with outside temperatures around 90 degrees, after a thermometer was placed in an ARL vehicle, it took less than three minutes for the interior temperature of the vehicle to reach nearly 120 degrees!

Learn more about important pet safety tips and guidelines and remember — when the temperatures rise, it’s Too Hot for Spot®!

ARL Attends Important Bill Signing with Governor

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! 

ARL Participates in Lobby Day for Animals

Lobby Day for Animals aims to cast light on animal-protection legislation

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined a number of animal welfare organizations at the Massachusetts State House to participate in Lobby Day for Animals, to help citizen animal advocates make an impact by meeting and encouraging their elected officials to prioritize animal-protection legislation.

ARL at Lobby Day for Animals.

Dozens of animal advocates representing counties throughout the Commonwealth gathered to learn more about legislation and hear from both advocates and elected officials who are passionate about animals including Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Senator Adam Gomez, and Representative Sam Montaño.

With the current legislative session ending in July, ARL continues to advocate for a number of priority bills including:

An Act to Increase Kennel Safety aka Ollie’s Law (H.4564; S.2731)

Currently, kennels in Massachusetts have limited standards. This proposed bill would create regulations for kennels, including commercial boarding and daycares. The bill is named after Ollie, a puppy who died from injuries sustained at a pet daycare in Western Massachusetts.

An Act Relative to the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, and Bears in Traveling Exhibits (H.3245; S.2197; S.2189

If passed, this piece of legislation would end the cruel use of these types of animals in circuses and other traveling exhibits.

An Act to Maintain Stable Housing for Families with Pets in an Economic Crisis and Beyond (H.1367; S.876)

This bill would provide housing protections during states of emergency and immediately afterward, preventing animals from being used as a reason for eviction. It would also prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage, canceling, or increasing rates on the basis of dog breed.

Get Involved

The Legislature will take up the aforementioned bills in the coming weeks, and ARL encourages anyone invested in animal-protection law to contact their elected officials and as them to consider the current legislation to further propel Massachusetts in being a national leader when it comes to protecting animals.

Learn more about ARL’s Legislative Agenda and how you can become involved.

ARL Celebrates 125th Anniversary

ARL celebrates 125th anniversary with Anna Harris Smith Day of Service

On March 13, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) marked a momentous milestone, celebrating its 125th anniversary.

ARL held its first meeting in February 1899, but was officially incorporated on March 13, 1899.

To celebrate the occasion, ARL honored its founder with the Anna Harris Smith Day of Service.

The Day of Service included a number of community-based efforts to provide pet care and wellness services, staying true to Anna’s forward-thinking vision.

ARL’s Founder 

Anna Harris Smith, a social worker from Dorchester, took action when she witnessed both the cruel mistreatment of Boston’s working horses, and the hordes of stray and homeless animals living on the streets.

She publicly voiced her opinion in an editorial in the Boston Evening Transcript, advocating for a centrally located shelter for the rescue and care of homeless cats and dogs and remarked, “While getting dogs and cats off the street is work worth doing, the teaching of thoughtful kindness is the work that changes families, communities, and a nation.”

Establishing Boston’s first animal shelter combined with Anna’s fervor for humane education and the growing impact of her work for animals in need, communities across the United States began to take notice – ARL was used as a model for others to form their own rescue societies.

True then as it is today – ARL is much more than a local animal shelter!

Anna committed the rest of her days to helping animals in need, expanding ARL’s services to Dedham and Cape Cod, establishing humane law enforcement, advocating humane education for children, and countless other accomplishments to cement her lasting legacy.

Upon her passing in 1929, the American Humane Association stated “The passing of Mrs. Smith removes the outstanding woman in the history of animal protection in America. So long as humane history is preserved there will stand out among its records the name and fame of Mrs. Smith.”

A Day of Service

On the day of ARL’s anniversary, the organization set out in the communities the organization serves to continue its important work.

ARL was honored by Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn at Boston City Hall, in a resolution commending ARL’s 125-year history and ongoing work and advocacy for animals in need.

ARL’s community-based services were also scattered throughout the city offering pet wellness services to support both pets and the people who care for them.

Activities included ARL’s Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday) providing wellness services at a senior housing complex in Dorchester in collaboration with Boston Senior Homecare, ARL’s Wellness Waggin’ providing low-cost pet wellness services in Dorchester in collaboration with Action for Boston Community Development, ARL’s Spay Waggin’ stopping at the Franklin Park Zoo to provide spay and neuter surgeries for more than two dozen pets, the zoo also provided a space for local Keep Pets S.A.F.E. clients to pick up pet food and supplies.

Additional activities included hosting local children at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for “Coloring for Kindness” where kids had the chance to meet the animals and create inspirational anniversary cards to be placed on kennels.

Looking Ahead

Over the past 125 years, ARL has embodied Anna Harris Smith’s vision of thoughtful kindness by helping over 6.2 million animals heal, find homes, and stay with their families, while protecting them from cruelty and neglect.

Keeping true to Anna Harris Smith’s vision, ARL devotes its resources to helping animals thrive, keeping pets and people together, partnering with local non-profit organizations and creating the next generation of compassionate animal advocates.

“Our rich 125-year history is a huge source of pride for us,” says ARL President & CEO, Dr. Edward Schettino. “ARL’s present and future are still rooted in Anna Harris Smith’s original vision and beliefs about animal welfare, its intersection with human well-being, and what our role must be in maintaining both.”

ARL Legislative Agenda Spotlight: Housing

The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Legislative Agenda covers a wide range of policy areas, from strengthening laws prohibiting cruelty, to increasing protections at animal-related businesses, to providing for additional funding for animal care.

We know that policies to improve the lives of animals are not just focused on criminal cruelty cases, but can include creating communities where animals are able to stay in their homes.

Housing is one of the top concerns of many families in Massachusetts.

Amid rising costs and a competitive housing market, the stress of finding and maintaining housing can be a significant burden.

For many Massachusetts families with pets, this burden can be even more significant.

Breed-Based Discrimination

Archaic attitudes and narratives have created widespread discrimination and limits around allowing certain size and breeds of dogs into housing.

There are no protections for those looking for rental housing who may have a dog.

Discrimination on size and weight is common.

Landlords may also refuse to rent to tenants based on the breed of the dog, perceived or actual.

In a rental market with limited options, certain dog owners may find that they have even less options.

Prohibitions on breed is not limited to just renters.

Even landlords who want to allow for dogs regardless of breed may be restricted because their insurance rates or coverage limits them.

Many insurance companies will refuse to insure homes that have dogs of certain “banned breeds”.

These lists are comprehensive, often including breeds of dogs outside of what people may assume.

For homeowners who already own or want to bring home a dog that may be considered one of these breeds, they face limited options and may end up paying higher premiums.

Studies have shown that breed identification is a difficult task even by animal professionals.

More importantly, breed does not determine a dog’s temperament or danger to others.

Massachusetts law already allows for a lengthy process to designate a “dangerous dog,” based on documented behavior.

No part of this process allows for consideration of breed.

Housing related concerns are by far the top reason that animals are surrendered to shelters.

Breed-based policies can even impact animals in shelters, as foster homes may be limited based on size and breed of the dog and dogs resembling these breeds may have longer lengths of stay as they have less adoptive homes.

Policies that help families stay together provide for better outcomes for pets and people.

Housing Legislation

For a number of sessions, ARL has supported legislation that would prohibit breed-based discrimination in housing and insurance.

An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets in an economic crisis and beyond (filed by Representative Dave Rogers, Representative Montaño and Senator Gobi) was reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Housing, Chaired by Representative Arciero and Senator Edwards.

In addition to breed-based protections, this legislation has several provisions relating to housing and emergencies to protect pets, ensuring that in states of emergency families don’t have to choose between their pet and safety.

We are thankful to the Joint Committee on Housing for recognizing the impact these policies have on what is already a very difficult housing market.

Keeping pets and people together requires innovative solutions, and preventing evictions and separations of families based on stereotypes is a great first step.

Stay tuned for more information as legislation moves through the State House, and learn more about the bills on ARL’s Legislative Agenda.

ARL Hosts Suffolk County District Attorney for Announcement of Animal Cruelty Task Force

Task force created to tackle a rise in animal cruelty cases

This week the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was honored to host the Suffolk County District Attorney, state and local law enforcement officers, and other animal welfare groups for the announcement of the creation of an animal cruelty task force, which aims to coordinate law enforcement efforts to fight animal cruelty.

It is the first such task force in the county.

The announcement was made at ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden was stern and steadfast in his office’s commitment to assisting law enforcement in confronting animal cruelty head-on.

“This task force will be designed to address our ability to more effectively investigate animal cruelty cases, to make sure that we’re employing intervention and prevention strategies to prevent animal cruelty cases from happening in the first place, and to hold people accountable for instances of animal cruelty whenever necessary,” DA Hayden stated.

ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino also addressed the throng of media in attendance, praising the creation of the task force, which will create a more streamlined investigative approach among the law enforcement community and preventing animal cruelty before it starts.

“It’s really about providing the resources we already have to keep pets and people together in their homes, that is critical,” stated Dr. Schettino. “We don’t want to take pets from people.”

Cruelty cases are on the rise, as in the last five years alone, ARL has received more than 4,200 calls of suspected animal cruelty, and has helped nearly 12,000 animals.

Along with improving collaborative law enforcement animal cruelty investigation, the task force will also identify and target legislation that will protect animals not just in Suffolk County, but throughout the state.

“We want people to know that we are working together, that we are unified, that we are collaborating and that we are working together in the best interest of obviously pets and animals that have been neglected, but also for society as a whole,” Hayden said.

ARL is thrilled and honored to be a part of this newly formed task force, and look forward to implementing measures to prevent animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, but to also hold those accountable who harm and jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of an animal.

Press Release: Senate Passes Legislation Prohibiting Cat Declawing in Massachusetts

Would become third state in nation to outlaw declawing procedure

This week, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed legislation that would prohibit declawing, tendonectomy, and similar procedures from being performed on cats in Massachusetts, except in cases of medical necessity to address a condition that jeopardizes a cat’s health — as determined by a licensed veterinarian.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Advocacy Department has adamantly lobbied support for the proposal and is thrilled the measure has passed its first hurdle.

“Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medial and behavioral problems,” said ARL Director of Advocacy Ally Blanck. “Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent animals in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering.”

Declawing a cat involves amputating the first bone on each toe, and tendonectomies involve cutting a tendon in each toe that controls the extension of claws.

Cats who have had their claws removed are more likely to experience paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue death, and could be unable to use their legs properly.

They are also more likely to incur nerve damage and bone spurs as a result of claw regrowth and the procedure is commonly performed for human convenience and to prevent damage to furniture, rather than medical necessity.

“The cats of Massachusetts are our beloved friends, and thousands of our Commonwealth’s residents return home from work or school every day looking forward to a warm purr that greets them at the door,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today, the Senate acted to treat our feline friends as we would any friend—with the kindness and respect to which they are entitled—by passing legislation to outlaw the outdated and cruel procedure of declawing. As we pass today’s legislation, I am thankful to Senator Montigny for sponsoring the bill, Chair Rodrigues and Chair Cronin for their support, and the countless advocates who have brought this issue to the forefront.”

“I’m pleased this compassionate animal protection bill has been passed by the full Senate. Unnecessary declawing of cats in the Commonwealth has no place in our society and should rightfully be constituted as animal abuse. I would like to thank Senator Montigny and the animal rights activists who were largely responsible for this commonsense legislation,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“Declawing cats is a practice we need to leave in the past,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues and all of the advocates who made this legislation possible.”

“Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), a longtime legislative leader for the humane treatment of animals. “But it is also a procedure that is widely misunderstood and requested by owners.  By passing this legislation, veterinarians will no longer have to weigh the choice knowing that if they don’t provide the procedure an owner is likely to just look for someone who will.  This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the Commonwealth.  As a state we have done far too little to punish heartless abusers and to push back against a weak court system that has too often failed to hold them accountable.  There are too many people who have committed horrendous abuses to animals that have been unpunished and are walking free to continue to do harm.”

S.2552—An Act prohibiting inhumane feline declawing—would only permit licensed veterinarians to declaw a cat if they determine it is medically necessary. Veterinarians who violate the conditions for performing a declawing may be subject to disciplinary action by their licensure board.

Under this legislation, the civil penalty for violating this prohibition is $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense.

If passed into law, Massachusetts would join New York and Maryland as the third state to have enacted statewide bans on declawing.

Additionally, more than a dozen U.S. cities have banned the practice and dozens of countries ban it or consider it illegal.

Get Involved

The bill will now go to the Massachusetts House, and ARL urges animal advocates to contact their state representatives and ask for their support of this measure to further protect cats in Massachusetts.

Find your State Representative here (https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Please visit ARL’s Advocacy page to learn more about the organization’s advocacy efforts and learn more about how you can get involved in the legislative process!