“News that a long awaited public hearing for the PAWS Act
has been scheduled is indeed good. Sadly
the heinous crimes against Puppy Doe, a dog who was left beaten, battered, and
alone in a Quincy Park, is far from the first animal to be cruelly
tortured. Multiple examples exist across
the Commonwealth, and now is the time for the legislature to act swiftly to
take action against those who commit such heinous crimes.
The scheduling of Thursday’s hearing is a call to action for
legislators, public officials, organizations, and all who care about animal
welfare in our Commonwealth. With
limited time remaining in this legislative session we must deliver a united,
clear, and compelling message that the legislature needs to act in a bold and
decisive way to confront senseless acts of cruelty with strong penalties for
abusers and a comprehensive system to prevent abuse and assist animals in
distress.”
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* The PAWS Act
(Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety) seeks to expand the penalties for animal
abuse and cruelty and to create a statewide animal abuse registry. It was filed on October 7, 2013, and
has 76 total sponsors of the bill. A copy of the bill text and summary is
attached.