Saturday, October 24, 2009

Senate passes Jehlen-sponsored animal control bill

The Massachusetts Senate passed a comprehensive measure Oct. 21 updating the state’s antiquated statutes that govern animal control in the commonwealth’s 351 communities.

Senate Bill 2172, sponsored by Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D–Somerville), provides the first significant revision of these laws for decades and contains several sections that would improve, with lasting effect, public safety while enhancing animal welfare in Massachusetts.

“The effectiveness of Senate Bill 2172 is thanks to the panel of expert consultants who aided in its creations,” said Jehlen. “From dangerous dogs and feral cat colonies, to animal hoarding and wild animals in urban settings, animal control officers face daily challenges. This bill will give them more tools and skills to protect the public as well as animals.”..." More