An Act relative to the definition of livestock
This bill amends the legal definition of livestock in Massachusetts to explicitly exclude dogs and cats from the category of animals considered livestock. By modifying the state's General Laws, the legislation clarifies that the term "livestock" applies to horses and other domesticated animals raised for food or commercial purposes, but not to companion animals like dogs and cats. This change directly affects agricultural regulations, zoning laws, and insurance policies that rely on the legal distinction between livestock and other animals. The bill aims to provide clearer guidance for farmers, businesses, and government agencies regarding which animals fall under specific agricultural definitions.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Feb 12, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Senate · Passed
Senate concurred
Feb 16, 2023
House · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on Agriculture
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Adam Scanlon
DDemocratic
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