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Statute Name
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Citation
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Summary
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MA - Breeding - Propagation, dealing, etc., in fish, birds, mammals, reptiles or amphibians; rules and regulations; licenses; fees
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MA ST 131 § 23
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Massachusetts bans private possession of exotic pets, and requires licenses for those who deal and propagate wild species for other reasons. The Massachusetts director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife also issues a list of exempted species for which no permit is needed.
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MA - Cat - Cat of commonwealth
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MA ST 2 § 30
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The Tabby cat shall be the official cat of the Massachusetts commonwealth.
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MA - Cruelty - Consolidated Cruelty Statutes
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MA ST 272 § 77 - 95; MA ST 272 § 34
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These Massachusetts laws contain the state's anti-cruelty provisions. § 77 is the operative anti-cruelty statute and provides that whoever overdrives, overloads, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, cruelly beats, mutilates or kills an animal, and whoever uses in a cruel or inhuman manner in a race, game, or contest, or in training, as lure or bait a live animal (except as bait in fishing), or knowingly and willfully authorizes or permits it to be subjected to unnecessary torture, suffering or cruelty of any kind shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or imprisonment for not more than 2 1/2 years or by a fine of not more than $2,500, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Also prohibitions include the dying of baby chicks, the docking of horse tails, and both felony and misdemeanor penalties for animal fighting, depending on conduct.
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MA - Dog - Assistance Animal/Guide Dog Laws
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MA ST 90 § 14A; MA ST 272 § 98A; MA ST 272 § 85B; MA ST 129 § 39C, D, F
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The following statutes comprise the state's relevant assistance animal and guide dog laws.
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MA - Dog - Consolidated Dog Laws
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MA ST 140 § 136A - § 175; MA ST 131 § 21A, 82
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These Massachusetts statutes comprise the state's dog laws. Among the provisions include licensing laws, dangerous dog laws, and rabies vaccination provisions.
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MA - Endangered Species Act
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MA ST 131A § 1 - 7
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This Massachusetts statute comprises the state's endangered species act. "Endangered species", any species of plant or animal in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range including those species listed under the federal ESA. The director shall conduct investigations and consult with the natural heritage and endangered species advisory committee in order to determine whether any species of plant or animal constitutes an endangered or threatened species or species of special concern. Habitat alteration permits are required under this act when any person undertakes a project that may alter a significant portion of habitat.
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MA - Equine Activity Liability Statute
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MA ST 128 § 2D
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This Massachusetts law provides that an equine activity sponsor, an equine professional, or any other person shall not be liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities. The statute sets out several definitions related to equine activities, but specifically notes that the term "engage in an equine activity" shall not include being a spectator at an equine activity, except in cases where the spectator places himself in an unauthorized area or in immediate proximity to the equine activity. Liability is not limited by this statute where the equine professional knowingly provided faulty tack or equipment, failed to make reasonable and prudent efforts to determine the ability of the participant to engage safely in the equine activity, owns or otherwise is in lawful possession of the land or facilities upon which the participant sustained injuries because of a known, dangerous latent condition, or if he or she commits an act or omission that constitutes willful or wanton disregard for the safety of the participant or intentionally injures the participant.
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MA - Equine transport - License plates for vehicles transporting equine animals
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MA ST 129 § 46
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This Massachusetts law provides that vehicles transporting equines must have a special license plate. Also, the use of multiple deck vehicles or the so-called "possum belly" vehicle used in the transportation of equine animals is prohibited.
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MA - Exotic Pets - Ban on Possession, Sale, etc. of Wild Dog and Cat Hybrids; Penalty; Exceptions.
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MA ST 131 § 77A
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Massachusetts bans hybrid animals, those offspring of mating between a domestic animal and its wild counterpart, usually wolves and dogs. No individual may possess or own a hybrid as a pet.
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MA - Leash - Restraint of dogs in public highway rest areas; penalty
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MA ST 140 § 174B
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This Massachusetts law states that whoever is the owner or keeper of a dog shall restrain said dog by a chain or leash when in an officially designated public highway rest area. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars.
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MA - Lost Property - Lost Goods and Stray Beasts
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MA ST 134 § 1 - 7
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This section comprises Massachusetts' Lost Goods and Stray Beasts Act.
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MA - Ordinances - By-laws and ordinances relative to regulation of dogs
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MA ST 140 § 147A
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This Massachusetts statute provides that any city or town that accepts the provisions of this statutory section is empowered to enact by-laws and ordinances relative to the regulation of dogs. These areas may relate to, but not be limited to dog licensing, establishing dog fees, disposition of fees, appointment of dog officers, kennel licensing and regulations, procedures for the investigation of and reimbursement for damage caused by dogs, restraining of dogs and establishing penalties for a breach.
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MA - Ordinances - Medford and Salem Animal Control Ordinances
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Medford - Secs. 6-1 - 106; Salem - Secs. 8-1 - 77
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These ordinances comprise the cities of Medford and Salem, Massachusetts' animal control provisions.
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MA - Ordinances - Ordinances and by-laws relating to dogs
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MA ST 140 § 173
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This Massachusetts statute provides that a town may make additional ordinances or by-laws relative to the licensing and restraining of dogs, and may affix penalties of not more than fifty dollars for a breach thereof.
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MA - Ordinances - Violation of dog control laws; non-criminal disposition
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MA ST 140 § 173A
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This Massachusetts statute provides the state law relative to violation of municipal by-laws or ordinances related to dog control. Included are penalty provisions and appearance requirements.
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MA - Possession - Birds of Prey
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MA ST 131 § 75A
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Massachusetts specifically protects the eagle as a bird of prey from hunting or possession, unless provided by permit. The law further prohibits the possession, harassment or harming of the eggs and nests of birds of prey. Notably, sale and transportation are not specifically listed under the statute. For discussion of federal Eagle Act, see Detailed Discussion.
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MA - Racing - 2000 Question 3 (Dog Racing)
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2000 Massachusetts Question 3
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This Massachusetts ballot question asked voters in 2000 whether they wanted to prohibit in Massachusetts any dog racing where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of dogs occurs. Any person violating the proposed law could be required to pay a civil penalty of not less than $20,000 to the State Racing Commission. The question failed with 49% voting "yes" and 51% voting "no" on the question.
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MA - Racing - Question 3 regarding dog racing (2008)
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2008 Question 3
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This proposed law would prohibit any dog racing or racing meeting in Massachusetts where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of dogs occurs. The State Racing Commission would be prohibited from accepting or approving any application or request for racing dates for dog racing. Any person violating the proposed law could be required to pay a civil penalty of not less than $20,000 to the Commission. All existing parts of the chapter of the state's General Laws concerning dog and horse racing meetings would be interpreted as if they did not refer to dogs. These changes would take effect January 1, 2010. The measure was approved by a margin of 65% to 35 %.
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MA - Veterinary - Registration of Veterinarians.
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MA ST 112 § 54 - 60
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These are the state's veterinary practice laws. Among the provisions include licensing requirements, laws concerning the state veterinary board, veterinary records laws, and the laws governing disciplinary actions for impaired or incompetent practitioners.
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