Sen. Jehlen Pushes for Improved Animal Control

Jehlen’s Bill Advances in Legislature; Receives Support from Local Animal Control Officers

An animal control bill sponsored by state senator Pat Jehlen (D-Medford, Somerville) recently moved out of its committee with a favorable report, according to information released by the senator’s office.

An Act to Update the Animal Control Laws (S.406) seeks to update antiquated animal control laws, improve the mandatory spay and neuter regulations for shelters and animal control facilities, define and fortify the dangerous dog ordinance without banning specific breeds, and update kennel definitions. The legislation, which is revenue neutral, would also create a spay and neuter fund and require that animal control officers receive uniform and comprehensive training.

According to a spokesman for Sen. Jehlen, the bill is revenue neutral because its new training initiatives are paid for by dog licensing fees.

Two local Animal Control Officers, Medford’s Patrick Hogan and Somerville’s April Terrio, testified in support of the bill at its June 23rd hearing.

“I strongly feel that by adopting these changes it would effectively diminish the large number animals, especially cats and certain dog breeds, that Animal Control Officers and shelters see in local facilities. Every aspect of the bill is extremely important to Animal Control Officers, pets, pet owners, and citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Terrio.

Officer Hogan, Vice-President of the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, offered support for the comprehensive training of fellow Animal Control Officers. Hogan cited specific examples of the complex issues he has dealt with in his role as an Animal Control Officer in Medford and Boston such as a loose pig, animal hoarding, and a gorilla who escaped from the zoo.

The Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) joined the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), and the state’s Bureau of Animal Health within the Department of Agricultural Resources in drafting and amending the bill.
The committee vote represents a step closer to debate and votes by the Senate and House.

– InsideMedford.com