By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would ban the Department of Children and Families (DCF) from prohibiting placement of a child in a foster home solely based on the presence of any specific breed of dog in the home. The bill also updates animal cruelty and abuse reporting regulations for human services employees or contractors.

Supporters said that currently DCF is allowed to prohibit placement of a child in a home with German Shepherds, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

“Current DCF regulations for foster homes impose a blanket ban on certain breeds of dogs,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Instead of eliminating countless prospective families, this bill empowers DCF to undertake a holistic review of the family, child and dog to ensure appropriate placement. This bill also amends reporting laws for animal abuse, extending the timeframe in which human services employees or contractors can report animal abuse.

Lewis continued, “As co-chair of the Protecting Animal Welfare Caucus, I am proud to spearhead the passage of this bill in the House. There is an urgent need for supportive foster families in the commonwealth, and this bill will open many loving homes to adoptive and foster children.”