An Act relative to creating an animal advisory board to the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture

This bill establishes an Animal Advisory Board to provide guidance to the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture on animal welfare issues. The board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from various rescue organizations, veterinarians, animal control officers, and legal experts, with the department's shelter coordinator serving as chair. Members will meet quarterly to advise the department on topics such as shelter management, training, and best practices, and they must submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. All board members will serve without pay.