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Massachusetts residents and animal‑welfare advocates press committee to tighten review of racetrack and simulcast proposals
Summary
Testimony on House Bill 356 and Senate Bill 280 focused on requiring upfront studies, municipal oversight and ballot approval for new racetracks and simulcasting facilities, and on animal‑welfare concerns. Horsemen’s groups opposed bills as threats to farms, jobs and the racing industry.
BOSTON — Dozens of residents, veterinarians and animal‑welfare advocates urged the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to advance legislation that would require more upfront review and local control over proposals to build horse racetracks or simulcasting facilities, and would expand animal‑welfare protections for racing horses.
Supporters of House Bill 356 said current law allows racetrack developers to seek local governing‑body approval without providing the engineering, traffic, environmental and public‑health studies that accompany most large developments. “This bill gives Massachusetts communities the support needed and the transparency required by horse racing and simulcasting developers to make educated informed decisions,” said Janelle Manoa of New Marlborough, who…
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