Prohibition on the Confinement of Covered Animals

It is a violation of St. 2021, c. 108, and 330 CMR 35.00 for a Farm Owner or Operator within Massachusetts to knowingly cause any Covered Animal to be Confined in a Cruel Manner. (2) Knowingly causing a Covered Animal to be confined during any of the following activities shall not be deemed to be a violation of St. 2021, c. 108, or 330 CMR 35.00: (a) Transportation; (b) State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, and similar exhibitions; (c) Slaughter in accordance with any applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (d) Medical research; (e) Examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes, but only if performed by or under the Direct Supervision of a Licensed Veterinarian; (f) The five-day period prior to a Breeding Pig's expected date of giving birth, and any day that the Breeding Pig is nursing piglets; or (g) Temporary periods for animal husbandry purposes for no more than six hours in any 24-hour period; provided, however, that in the case of Egg-laying Hens, for not more than 24 hours total in any 30-day period.