The Governor of Massachusetts recently signed a new bill which will increase the penalties for offenders convicted of animal abuse throughout the state.  The Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety Act ( PAWS Act) was initially drafted in response to Puppy Doe, a pit bull who was euthanized in 2013 due to injuries caused by alleged animal abuse.

The new bill will also require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse to police.  Veterinarians which fail to report the abuse to authorities will be reported to the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine which is responsible for the licensing of veterinarians.

State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) drafted the original version of the bill.

RELATED:
Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/vt/