Making Strides for Animal Welfare
Massachusetts has a long and proud history of standing up for those in our society without a voice to advocate for their own interests. We were one of only two states to abolish slavery in the 18th century, and the home of the first newspaper to advocate for nationwide abolition in 1831. Under the leadership of Horace Mann, we established the first free public schools in the nation to educate our children. And, the Commonwealth has long pursued progressive policies to support those who are sick, disabled or struggling to survive on their own.
In this context, it is not surprising that Massachusetts has also historically been in the forefront of efforts to ensure animal welfare. As Mahatma Gandhi noted, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.”
In 1631, Massachusetts passed the first animal rights legislation in the country to support the welfare of farm and working animals. Since then, of course, our attitudes toward animals have changed tremendously. In the more recent past, there has been a growing understanding of the need to protect the welfare of domestic pets. In a 2008 ballot referendum, voters ended greyhound racing in the Commonwealth.
In a recent report by the Humane Society of the United States, Massachusetts tied for fourth place in a ranking of state animal protection laws. The report evaluated animal cruelty codes, wildlife issues, and treatment of farm animals and research animals in all fifty states.
While we should be pleased with our state’s record on animal welfare, there are still a number of issues that need to be addressed by the state legislature. Among these include measures to promote spaying and neutering of animals in shelters, strengthening dangerous dog ordinances without targeting specific breeds, and providing animal control officers with better training and resources. These measures aim to more humanely control domestic and wild animals, while improving the quality of pet ownership across the Commonwealth.
We also need to update our domestic violence statutes to allow pets to be included in restraining orders. A victim will often not want to leave an abusive situation because he or she refuses to leave a pet behind. In some domestic disputes, the abuser may even threaten to harm or kill the animal if the victim doesn’t return to the home.
Another important animal welfare issue that I hope the legislature will address during this legislative session concerns basic protections for farm animals. Massachusetts is home to almost 8,000 small farms, many of which raise and work with animals. These farms are essential to our state economy and livelihood.
I have filed legislation, An Act to Prevent Farm Animal Cruelty, that bans the extreme confinement of pregnant sows and veal calves. The bill would outlaw confinement practices that do not allow an animal to stand up, lie down, turn around, or freely extend its limbs — practices which sadly are common in large factory farms around the country.
This is both a moral and an economic issue. Currently, no farms in Massachusetts use these cruel and abusive practices, and we want to ensure that large factory farms do not move into the state and undermine the viability of our small family farmers who use humane, sustainable practices in raising livestock.
All animals — whether they are wild, kept as pets, or raised for food — deserve to be treated humanely. We must continue to strengthen our animal welfare laws where they are lacking.
I welcome your feedback on animal welfare or any other issues. Share your thoughts at www.Facebook.com/RepJasonLewis or visit our website at www.RepJasonLewis.com. You can also reach me at 617 722-2017 or by email at Jason.Lewis@mahouse.gov.
Author’s Note: Matt Marotta provided research assistance for this column.
Jason Lewis
State Representative
31st Middlesex District – Stoneham and Winchester