H966

Prohibiting the mistreatment of birds

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H966 prohibits the mistreatment of birds, including force feeding to enlarge livers.

Massachusetts H966 amends the definition of "bird" in Chapter 94 to include any winged vertebrate, such as a duck or goose. It also defines "force feeding" as a process that causes a bird to consume more food than it would voluntarily. The bill prohibits force feeding birds to enlarge their livers and makes it illegal to hire someone to do so. Violators face fines and potential imprisonment.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Oct 21, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Hearing

History

Mar 30

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5307

Jan 20

House

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Oct 10, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1