Massachusetts House Bill 1914 Imposes Temporary Animal Possession Bans on Convicted Abusers

Original title: An Act relative to a temporary possession ban of animals for animal abusers

Last action · March 26, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)Sponsors: Tram Nguyen and 36 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts Bill H.1914 requires courts to ban individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning or accessing animals for at least 5 years for a first offense and 15 years for subsequent offenses, while directing related fines into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund.

Why it matters

Convicted animal abusers face multi-year restrictions on owning pets or working around animals, and courts must notify local police and animal control officers of the prohibition.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Convicted animal abusers

Individuals convicted of animal abuse face mandatory multi-year prohibitions on owning or accessing animals and working in animal-related fields.

Directly affected

Municipal animal control officers

Animal control officers receive official notices of prohibitions and may be ordered to conduct unannounced inspections of an offender's residence.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the animal possession ban last for a first offense?

The court must prohibit ownership and access to animals for at least 5 years after the person's date of conviction or release from custody, whichever is later.

Where do the collected fines go?

Fines assessed under this section are deposited into the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund.

Can a prohibited person petition to reduce the duration of the ban?

Yes, a prohibited person may petition the court once per year to reduce the duration or conditions, provided they meet specific burdens of proof.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions

Mar 26, 2026House
Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
Oct 20, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2
Jul 29, 2025Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 07/29/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
Feb 27, 2025Senate
Senate concurred
Feb 27, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary

Version history

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