H 95 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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
Photo of Adam Scanlon
Adam Scanlon
DDemocratic
MA
14th Bristol