Bill > H2247

This bill proposes two key changes to animal cruelty laws in Massachusetts: First, it increases the monetary penalties for animal cruelty offenses, raising the first-offense fine from $5,000 to $5,500 and the subsequent offense fine from $10,000 to $11,000. Second, the bill establishes a mechanism for directing a portion of these fines into a special municipal account dedicated to improving local animal shelters. Specifically, up to $500 from a first offense fine and up to $1,000 from subsequent offense fines can be allocated to this account. In municipalities without an animal shelter, these funds can be used to support local animal welfare organizations, nonprofit groups, or public entities focused on animal welfare and adoption. The bill aims to both increase financial penalties for animal cruelty and provide additional resources for local animal care infrastructure, potentially creating a more robust system for protecting and supporting animals at the community level.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2247