By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit pet shops opened after January 1st, 2025 from offering dogs, cats and rabbits for sale. Pet shops existing prior to January 1, 2025 would be exempt from the law.

The new law would allow new pets shops to offer space to an animal rescue or shelter organization to showcase dogs, cats or rabbits for adoption as long as the pet shop does not have an ownership interest in the animals offered for adoption. The bill imposes a penalty of $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second offense and $5,000 for a third and subsequent offenses.

“This legislation moving forward marks a significant step towards ending the puppy mill to pet shop pipeline, ensuring the protection of both animals and consumers alike,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “We are taking a stand against the promotion of animal cruelty, which is often overlooked, and I am confident that we will soon join our neighboring northeastern states in putting a stop to this inhumane practice by law. I am proud to be the primary sponsor of this bill and will continue to tirelessly advocate against the abuse of animals and for their protection as some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

“I take the matters of animal welfare and inhumane conditions very seriously,” said Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). Given that puppy mills and other profit-focused animal breeding operations have a demonstrated track record of substandard conditions and disregard for the wellbeing of the animals, anything we can do to disrupt this industry without harming responsible breeders is action we should take.”

“Typically, pet shops obtain animals from substandard breeding facilities, which results in consumers unknowingly purchasing sick or genetically compromised pets,” said Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster).