Activists pushing a bill against animal cruelty

BOSTON (WWLP) - Animal activists are asking for legislative support on a number of bills against animal cruelty.

Western Massachusetts has been a magnet for storms and severe weather these past few years and animal activists want to make sure that pets are included in disaster planning. 

Animal rights groups are lobbying Beacon Hill lawmakers to protect pets and their owners during disasters. They say many pet owners will not leave their furry best friends behind if they cannot safely relocate them, even when there's an evacuation order on their home. 

Animal activists are asking lawmakers to support legislation that would require emergency plans to address household pets and services animals before, during and after a disaster.

Linda Huebner, advocacy deputy director, MSPCA, told 22News, “Western Mass got more than their fair share of experiences of various types of disasters, so we're trying to address the inclusion of animals in state disaster plans.”

Animal rights groups are also advocating for legislation that prevents puppies and kittens from being sold before they turn 8-weeks-old. As well as a bill that bans tight confinement of farm animals.