MA H1934

Creates a new civil process allowing enforcing authorities (law enforcement, animal control officers, MSPCA/ARL special officers, sheriffs) to petition district courts to protect neglected animals without requiring criminal charges

Defines "neglected" as depriving animals of necessary sustenance, failing to provide proper food, drink, shelter, sanitary environment, or weather protection, or allowing unnecessary suffering

Permits emergency removal of animals in imminent danger without prior court approval, with a petition required within 10 calendar days; non-emergency cases require court authorization before seizure

Requires hearings within 10 calendar days of petition filing, with courts able to order forfeiture of the animal, return to owner (upon payment of care costs), or humane euthanasia if in the animal's best interest

Places burden on owner/keeper to prove by clear and convincing evidence they can humanely care for the animal if evidence indicates neglect; courts may also prohibit owners from possessing any additional animals