Press Release: 2/3/2026
MSPCA-Angell Advocacy Unveils Ambitious 2026 Legislative Agenda
Posted on Jan, 30, 2026 by Sara-Rose Brenner
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Bills to Aid in Addressing Massachusetts’ Housing Crisis Headline Busy Year
BOSTON, Jan. 30, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell’s Advocacy Department is working to pass several proposed bills on Beacon Hill as it looks to make 2026 a banner year for animal welfare, the organization announced today.
Three of the measures deal specifically with a major issue in Massachusetts—the housing crisis.
“It’s no secret that Massachusetts is grappling with serious problems regarding housing, but what many people might not know is that creating more pet-inclusive housing would actually help address some priorities already championed by state leaders,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Advocacy, Kara Holmquist.
“Less than 10% of rentals in Massachusetts are pet-inclusive, meaning they don’t have restrictions based on breed, size, or other factors. It’s nowhere near enough, and there’s legislation that would go a long way to address this,” she added.
“We need people in Massachusetts to help us get those bills across the finish line.”
The Case for Pet-Inclusive Housing
MSPCA-Angell data show that at least 22% of owner surrenders to its four shelters last year were because of housing-related issues.
“Owners are being forced to make impossible decisions—lose their housing or give up a beloved member of their families,” elaborated Holmquist. “These are pets that should be at home with people who love them, but instead end up in a shelter.”
Caring for those animals has cost the MSPCA-Angell more than one-million dollars in the past three years.
“This is also a reason that workforces have trouble recruiting people to work and live in this area—it’s incredibly difficult to find pets-allowed housing.”
There are currently bills [H. 1022/H. 1559/H.4835] that would help address this issue, information on which can be found on the MSPCA-Angell’s website.
“We’re fortunate to have people serving in the state legislature that are also passionate about animal welfare, so we have a lot of momentum, which is especially great because this isn’t the only issue we’re focused on.”
Pet Shop Bans, Limits to Animal Testing, and More!
According to Holmquist, state lawmakers have advanced a record number of animal protection bills from initial committees. These include:
- 2720: Banning the retail sale of certain animals in pet shops: This measure would ban the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet shops unless those animals come from shelters or rescue organizations.
- 640/H. 989: An Act promoting humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing: These bills seek to require the use of non-animal test methods when available and apply to products including cosmetics, household cleaners, and industrial chemicals. It does not apply to medical research.
- 2721: An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment: If passed, this measure would restrict the use of rodenticides that stay in an animal’s system for weeks or days after they are ingested, so the chemicals often impact non-target animals, including cats, dogs, eagles, and owls.
- 4675/S. 1190: An Act preventing animal cruelty: This legislation would ensure that animal control and law enforcement officers have the tools necessary to reduce animal suffering.
“A lot of these ideas already have immense support at the local level. For example, more than two dozen municipalities have passed petitions that prevent the use of rodenticides on public property in their communities,” Holmquist detailed.
“Sixteen cities and towns have enacted some form of pet shop ban as well.”
“It’s clear that Massachusetts residents support these measures, so we’re optimistic that a good number will become law this year,” she added.
Those interested in learning more about MSPCA-Angell Advocacy and how they can help are asked to visit mspca.org/advocacy.