Following are some key points of the new law.
- Funds will be designated to offset the cost of spaying/neutering and vaccinating pets in shelters and those owned by low income families. The fund will also provide training for animal control officers- something that was not previously required. When Massachusetts residents file their 2012 taxes, they will have the opportunity to donate to this fund.
- Pets may now be included in domestic violence protection orders. Many victims of domestic abuse do not leave a dangerous situation because they fear that their pets will be harmed. This section of the new law will protect both people and their animals.
- The dangerous breed dog law has been updated to focus on individual problem dogs and their owners. All previous breed-specific town laws (like those banning pit bulls) have been nullified by the new state law.
You can read the law in its entirety here.
