MA S1234

Establishes comprehensive definitions for animal harassment including physical, psychological, and sexual harassment, and defines "animal" broadly to include all non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates

Requires animal guardians/caretakers to provide suitable environment, diet, normal behavioral patterns, protection from pain and suffering, and prohibits tight collars or harnesses; violations carry fines of $500-$1,500 or up to 1 year imprisonment

Prohibits animal cruelty including beating, torture, mutilation (ear cropping, tail docking, declawing, debeaking), forcing animals into competitions or fights, confined killing, and use of animals in research/testing except for veterinary care benefiting the animal; cruelty penalties range from $2,000-$10,000 fines or up to 3 years imprisonment

Bans breeding animals for research, exhibition, entertainment, or dismemberment; prohibits sexual contact with animals including artificial insemination for breeding purposes; and criminalizes habitat destruction, den invasion, and killing methods including hunting, trapping, and fishing

Creates protected status for "animal advocates/activists" similar to other protected characteristics under discrimination law, and requires visitors to wildlife areas to complete certification classes on safe retreat and evasion techniques