Mass. judiciary committee hears package of bills to expand tools against animal cruelty and bar convicted abusers from pet ownership

Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day presided over a hearing where lawmakers heard multiple bills aimed at strengthening protections for animals, increasing noncriminal enforcement tools and creating time‑limited possession bans for people convicted of serious animal abuse.

The committee heard testimony from humane law enforcement and advocacy groups pressing for civil procedures that would let animal control officers, humane societies and courts remove animals or order required care without first pursuing a felony prosecution. Supporters said the change would let agencies act sooner to prevent suffering in cases where voluntary surrender or cooperation is not forthcoming.

“Sometimes educating owners and offering low‑cost veterinary care is enough,” said Chris Schindler of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “But at times that is not enough. A civil route to obtain custody or require care would prevent needless suffering without forcing a criminal charge in every case.”

The package discussed included proposals that would: - Establish a civil process allowing law enforcement or authorized humane officers to seek orders for removal or care of neglected animals (bills cited: S.1277 /…