MA S1277

Amends Chapter 140 of Massachusetts General Laws to add Section 151D, establishing procedures for enforcing authorities to protect neglected animals through emergency removal, court-ordered care requirements, or seizure petitions

Defines "neglected" as depriving an animal of necessary sustenance, failing to provide proper food, drink, shelter, sanitary environment, or weather protection, or subjecting the animal to unnecessary suffering

Requires district court hearings within 10 calendar days of petition filing, with court orders entered within 10 calendar days after hearing; owners must be notified at least 3 days before scheduled hearings

Places burden on owner or keeper to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence their ability to humanely care for the animal once evidence of neglect is presented

Authorizes courts to order animal forfeiture, humane euthanasia, or return to owner; courts may also forfeit additional animals in the owner's custody and prohibit future animal ownership if the owner is found unable to provide humane care