Massachusetts bill would increase punishment against animal cruelty offenders

A bill making its way through Beacon Hill would impose heavier punishment against those who are convicted of animal cruelty.

Massachusetts House of Representatives H-2132 would further increase fines and establish a fund dedicated to improvements for local animal shelters.

Currently, penalties consist of up to a seven-year prison sentence and/or a $5,000 fine for a first offense and a ten-year prison sentence and/or a $10,000 fine for a subsequent offense.

Under the legislation, fines would increase to $5,500 for a first offense and $11,000 for subsequent offenses. In addition, up to $500 from a single fine incurred for a first offense, and up to $1,000 from a single fine incurred for subsequent offenses, would be designated towards a special account in the community where the violation occurred.

The monies would be used solely for funding improvements to a community animal shelter. Funds designated towards communities without an animal shelter within their jurisdiction will be utilized at the discretion of the local municipality, providing it benefits local groups, nonprofit organizations, or public entities dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and/or the promotion of the adoption of shelter animals.

House Rep. Bruce Ayers introduced the bill with Adam Scanlon and Colleen Garry as petitioners.

Today, the House ordered to a third reading after the bill was reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling last week.