By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law 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 offense.

  “Early separation of puppies and kittens from their mother, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats, are practices that often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “I was proud to file this legislation in the Senate this session and am glad that it is one step closer to becoming law and establishing new protections for animals throughout the commonwealth.”