House Bill 2342 Moves Forward
Bill Status Update
- House Bill 2342, titled “An Act Relative to Dangerous Dogs,” has received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration. https://legiscan.com/MA/bill/H2342/2025
This bill mandates 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.”
If passed, this bill could impose restrictive mandates on dog behavior modification plans—undermining professional standards and public safety.
Why Your Voice Matters
Massachusetts residents are encouraged to voice their opposition directly to key decision-makers. Your input can influence outcomes before the bill advances further.
How to Take Action
Please email the following members of the House Committee on Ways and Means:
| Role | Contact |
|---|---|
| Chair, Aaron Michlewitz | [email protected] |
| Vice Chair, Ann-Margaret Ferrante | [email protected] |
| Assistant Vice Chair, Kip A. Diggs | [email protected] |
Here is a template letter to use and personalize (please use your own words):
Dear Chair [Last Name], Vice Chair [Last Name], and Assistant Vice Chair [Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose House Bill 2342, “An Act Relative to Dangerous Dogs,” which is currently before the House Committee on Ways and Means.
As a [Massachusetts resident / professional dog trainer / concerned dog owner], I am deeply concerned about the provisions in this bill that would restrict behavior modification plans to a narrow, ideologically driven methodology and prohibit the use of effective, humane tools such as prong collars, choke chains, and electronic collars.
These tools, when used by qualified professionals, are vital in preventing dangerous behaviors like aggression and predation. The bill would remove critical options from trainers and owners, limiting our ability to protect public safety and rehabilitate dogs at risk of serious behavioral failure.
Equally troubling is the bill’s requirement that all behavior plans conform to the principles of specific veterinary behavior organizations. This would effectively hand authority over dog training to groups that do not represent the full spectrum of evidence-based, humane, and effective practices used by credentialed professionals across the country.
Dog behavior is complex and varied. A one-size-fits-all approach—especially one that excludes important tools and training philosophies—puts both dogs and communities at risk.
Please protect the rights of professionals, dog owners, and the dogs themselves by rejecting HB 2342.
Thank you for your time and your public service.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Town or City, MA]
[Your Contact Info (optional)]
[Professional Credentials or Affiliation, if applicable]
If you have any further questions, please contact the IACP Legislative Committee at [email protected]
