Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Hell Yeah!!!


Bill S.2192 went into effect today.

Thank you Gov. Patrick, for signing this truly progressive bill.  First, it outlaws BSL in Massachusetts.  OUTLAWS it.

The legislation updates the state’s dangerous dog law so that it now nullifies existing city and town ordinances that focus on particular breeds, such ones that ban pit bulls or require them to be muzzled. Breed-discriminatory legislation has never proven effective at reducing dog bites, and it punishes all citizens living with a particular breed, whether they act as responsible owners or not. The new law requires municipalities to focus on the behavior of misbehaving dogs and their owners, regardless of the breed involved—for example, enforcing existing leash laws for all free-roaming dogs, which are the animals responsible for most reported bites.
Linda Huebner, Deputy Director of the MSPCA

Second, it requires training for all animal control officers.  I had no idea that was not already mandatory!

Third, it creates a statewide program to encourage everyone to spay/neuter their pets.

Finally, it allows restraining orders for domestic violence cases to include not just humans, but also pets.

We are so so proud of our adopted state and hope others are inspired and able to pass similar legislation!

This face will never, ever be muzzled.
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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo! Way to go, Massachusetts!

K-Koira said...

That is awesome! Way to go! I hope the following years bring out some great statistics we can use to show people how BSL doesn't change things, but progressive laws like this can help lower dog bite incidents.

Anonymous said...

We live in Maine, but I went to college in Massachusetts, so I took it personally when I discovered the ridiculous law about muzzling pit bulls. I am so glad MA came to their senses with this law!

Rebelwerewolf said...

Yay! Maybe we'll take the Badgershrooms for a celebratory 2-pittie mini-parade around Lowell, the nearest town to us that had BSL before this law.

*looks up at the gloomy sky*

...Or we could just celebrate at home.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I know I'm a little late with my pawment but...WOW! That is AH-mazing! I knew they said that BSL was outlawed but I didn't know about the other things. That's Most Wonderful!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie