By Bob Katzen

A proposal before the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee would give cities and towns the right to give cemeteries the authority to allow the burial of people and their pets in the same location.

Supporters say people often consider their pets as members of their families and the current law prohibiting joint burial is unfair.

Opponents say that joint burial presents sanitary, environmental and religious concerns.

Sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his proposal.