By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to legislation that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. Violators would be fined $100 per animal.
When the animal is more than eight weeks old, the outright ban is lifted and replaced with a section that would prohibit the sale or transfer of any dogs or cats at specified outdoor locations, such as flea markets and roadsides. This prohibition would not apply to the transfer of a dog or cat by, or to, a shelter, animal control or animal rescue; or to the display of a dog or cat as part of a state or county fair exhibition, a 4-H program or similar exhibition or educational program. Violators would be fined $50 per animal for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offenses.
“Passing this legislation would represent an end to the supply-and-demand relationship between Massachusetts and puppy mills and give these animals a better opportunity at finding a home,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a sponsor of an earlier version of the measure. “I am a longtime supporter of animal protection issues, even before I ran for Senate. I have co-sponsored many animal protection bills and I am focused on protecting animals as some of the most vulnerable members of our society. All animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and I am proud to be a voice for animal rights on Beacon Hill.”
“As an animal lover I have been proud to support animal welfare legislation throughout my legislative career including sponsoring [this bill],” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), another sponsor of an earlier version of the measure. “At the most fundamental level this bill seeks to prevent a variety of health issues among dogs and cats because they were prematurely separated from their mother or sold at inappropriate locations such as along the side of a road. I am thrilled that this bill is currently
being considered by the House of Representatives following its passage in the Senate a few weeks ago.”
The bill still needs additional approval by both the House and Senate prior to it going to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature.