Bill > H2342

This bill proposes multiple modifications to Massachusetts law regarding dangerous dogs, focusing on enhancing procedural clarity and animal control protocols. It establishes more detailed requirements for handling potentially dangerous dogs, including mandating specific impoundment procedures when a dog has bitten and broken skin, requiring a public hearing within 30 days of a complaint, and preventing dog owners from transferring ownership once a complaint is filed. The bill introduces stricter confinement standards for dangerous dogs, specifying fence heights, enclosure requirements, and daily care standards. It also requires that any behavior modification plans for dangerous dogs must use evidence-based training techniques that do not cause pain or discomfort, explicitly prohibiting the use of electric, prong, or choke collars. Additionally, the bill requires hearing authorities to report dangerous dog violations to licensing authorities within 30 days and ensures that orders issued by hearing authorities are valid throughout the commonwealth unless specifically overturned by a court. These changes aim to standardize and improve municipal procedures for managing potentially dangerous dogs while prioritizing public safety and humane animal treatment.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2342