Bill > S876

This bill, concerning the prevention of cruel and inhumane treatment of animals, proposes to add a new section to Chapter 243 of the General Laws. This new section would allow any "party of interest" to file a lawsuit to protect and ensure the humane treatment of animals. Importantly, a "party in interest" is broadly defined to include any person, even if they don't legally own or possess the animal, as long as they are acting based on the public policy against animal mistreatment. The bill also clarifies that such lawsuits can combine claims against multiple defendants for the protection of one or more animals, and that a defendant can be any individual, guardian, or entity in possession of an animal who is engaging in or has engaged in cruel or inhumane treatment. The bill defines "cruel and inhumane treatment" as a violation of specific sections of Chapter 272 (sections 77 to 80G) or any situation where an animal's life, health, or safety is endangered.