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08-20-2004

Page history last edited by PBworks 17 years, 6 months ago

August 20, 2004

ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION SIGNS ANIMAL CRUELTY LEGISLATION

New law establishes tougher penalties for animal abuse

 

Acting Governor Kerry Healey today signed legislation establishing new measures to prevent cruelty towards animals by increasing penalties and allowing state officials to report cases of animal abuse.

 

“Governor Romney and I are committed to fighting animal cruelty and will not stand for the inhumane treatment of animals,” said Healey. “By increasing penalties for animal abuse, we will help save pets from cruel treatment.”

 

The new law charges all individuals who abuse animals with the increased penalties. Under the previous statute, pet owners faced lesser penalties for abusing their animals than individuals who abused animals that did not belong to him or her.

 

Under the new measure, cruelty to animals will now be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.

 

“The acts of cruelty committed against helpless animals are horrific and deserve just punishment,” said Representative Susan Pope, who was a sponsor of the bill.

“I am hopeful that this legislation will help alleviate the rising problem of animal cruelty in the Commonwealth as it will serve as a deterrence for potential animal abusers.”

 

The law also allows Department of Social Services (DSS) employees to report instances of animal abuse, cruelty or neglect when they are conducting investigations. The DSS employee may report the case to any local animal control authority or organizations that investigate animal abuse within two days of witnessing the abuse.

 

A recent MSPCA/Northeastern University study cited correlations between cruelty to animals and child abuse and found that people who had abused animals were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. Many experts believe early intervention may help stop the disturbing cycle of violence.

 

“This bill will encourage inter-agency collaboration to combat the cycle of violence that impacts both people and animals,” said Dr. Larry Hawk, President of MSPCA-Angell. “Incidents of cruelty to animals are not isolated incidents and are related to other forms of criminal behavior. We are pleased to see Massachusetts among the many states that are taking animal abuse seriously and recognizing this relationship.”

 

“This an extremely important piece of legislation, for not only reducing instances of animal cruelty, but also child, senior and domestic abuse situations, so often found occurring at the same locations,” said Investigative Specialist Tom Flanagan, of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department.

 

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