An Act preventing animal cruelty
The bill establishes measures to prevent cruelty to animals. It outlines specific actions that are considered cruel and sets forth guidelines for the treatment of animals.
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H4675 — An Act preventing animal cruelty
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1Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed House
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4Passed Senate
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
In plain language
This bill aims to prevent animal cruelty.
The bill establishes measures to prevent cruelty to animals. It outlines specific actions that are considered cruel and sets forth guidelines for the treatment of animals.
Summary
An Act preventing animal cruelty
Bill Text
- Full text Current
AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.
This bill adds a new section to establish provisions for addressing animal neglect, including definitions, petition procedures, and court orders.
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Chapter 140
Section 151D. (a) For the purposes of this section the following terms shall have the following meanings: “Animal Neglect”, the failure of a person having the charge or custody of an animal kept as a companion or pet to provide the minimum standard of care for the animal, including, but not limited to: (i) failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter or veterinary care; (ii) keeping the animal in an unsanitary environment; or (iii) otherwise permitting the animal’s unnecessary suffering. “Enforcing Authority”, any: law enforcement officer, animal control officer certified under section 151, special state police officer appointed by the colonel of the state police under section 57 of chapter 22C, sheriff or deputy sheriff. (b) An enforcing authority may petition with district court with jurisdiction over an animal seeking: an order: (i) requiring the person having charge or custody of the animal provide certain care; the; or (ii) authorizing the removal of the animal to the custody of the enforcing authority. (c) The court shall, within 10 calendar days of receiving the petition, hold a hearing to determine animal neglect and, if neglect is present, whether the person charged with the animal’s care and custody is able to properly care for the animal. In making its determination of whether the person charged with the animal’s care and custody can properly care for an animal the court may consider evidence of past investigations relating to the person’s care and treatment of animals. The petitioning enforcement authority shall serve notice to the person who had custody or control over the animal at least 3 days prior to the hearing. (d) Upon a judgment of animal neglect, the court may order if in the animal’s best interest: (1) the forfeiture of the animal to the custody of the enforcing authority or other person or entity if appropriate; (2) the humane euthanasia of the animal; or (3) the person having charge or custody of the animal, if found able to properly care for the animal, provide certain care of the neglected animal. The Court may further order in written findings the removal of other animals in the person’s care or custody and prohibit the person from assuming the care or custody of any animal.
This adds new legal definitions and procedures for dealing with animal neglect, including the ability for authorities to petition the court for intervention.
Sponsors
- Joint Committee on the Judiciary · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (203)
203 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 203 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does H4675 do?
- An Act preventing animal cruelty
- Who sponsors H4675?
- H4675 is sponsored by Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
- What is the current status of H4675?
- This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track H4675?
- Track H4675 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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Last checked for changes 4 months ago · updated continuously
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