Bill > H4565

This bill makes several key changes to laws related to animal welfare and protection in Massachusetts: 1. It requires employees of the Department of Children and Families, Department of Elder Affairs, and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to report known or suspected animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect. It also allows these employees to make such reports without liability. 2. It prohibits the use of drowning to euthanize animals and increases penalties for violations. 3. It enhances enforcement and penalties for various animal welfare laws, including those related to dangerous dogs, kennels, and pet shops. 4. It requires property owners and lessors to inspect properties for abandoned animals after a tenant has vacated and to notify authorities if any are found, or face civil penalties. 5. It creates a new criminal offense of "sexual contact with an animal" with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The bill also creates a special commission to study the feasibility and cost of requiring employees who work with children, the elderly, and disabled persons to also report suspected abuse of those populations to the appropriate authorities.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4565