Massachusetts House Bill 2342 and Senate Bill 1459 include dangerously restrictive language that would severely limit the professional discretion of dog trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians. These bills mandate that any behavior modification plan for dogs deemed dangerous must:

“exclusively employ evidence-based training techniques that do not result in pain, discomfort, fear or anxiety; provided that electric, prong or choke collars shall not be used… [and] all professionals involved… shall be educated in and employ methods that adhere to the principles of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.”

This language discriminates against balanced training approaches and prohibits effective, humane tools—such as prong, choke, and e-collars—that are used every day by qualified professionals to help dogs safely integrate into society. It also limits owner choice and professional judgment in favor of a narrow, ideologically driven definition of training.

📅 A public hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room B-1 of the State House in Boston.
💻 Virtual attendance is permitted, and we strongly encourage you to participate and provide oral testimony—whether in person or remotely.

📝 Pre-registration is required by 10:00 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025. Please register here:
🔗 https://forms.office.com/g/XzKWtJXPMY

Let the committee know that we support public safety and responsible training—but not at the cost of limiting tools, ignoring proven methodologies, and excluding professionals who don’t adhere to one narrow training philosophy.

Together, we can ensure that Massachusetts law protects both the public and the rights of responsible dog owners and professionals.