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H 1914

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 36 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill temporarily prohibits animal possession for convicted abusers to prevent recidivism and protect animals from reoffending individuals.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1914

Legislative bill overview

H 1914 proposes establishing a temporary ban on animal possession for individuals convicted of animal abuse in Massachusetts. The bill would restrict abusers' ability to own, possess, or care for animals for a defined period following conviction, with potential exceptions for service animals or other specified circumstances.

Why is this important

Animal abuse convictions currently lack a standardized mechanism to prevent repeat offenses or protect vulnerable animals from known abusers. This bill addresses a public safety and animal welfare gap by creating legal consequences that extend beyond fines or jail time, potentially reducing recidivism and animal suffering while aligning Massachusetts with similar protections in other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and duration ambiguity: The bill's text doesn't clearly specify the ban's length, triggering conditions for removal, or whether it applies to all animal abuse convictions or only certain felony-level offenses
  • Due process and enforcement concerns: Questions about how compliance would be monitored, what constitutes violation, and whether temporary bans adequately protect animals compared to permanent restrictions
  • Practical implementation challenges: Difficulty enforcing prohibitions across jurisdictions, determining ownership in households with multiple residents, and potential conflicts with service animal rights or family pet situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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