By Bob Katzen
Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation, named the PETS Act, that supporters said would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores; ending harsh, unnecessary testing of animal subjects for non-medical purposes; strengthening animal cruelty protections; and prohibiting breed-based discrimination in public housing and insurance coverage.
“Animals who provide us with boundless love and companionship must be protected from cruel and abusive actions by neglectful individuals,” said Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), the sponsor of several of the original bills upon which this comprehensive bill is based. “Sadly, we have done far too little to punish and deter heartless abuse and to push back against a weak system that has too often failed to hold abusers accountable. This legislation will crack down on such abhorrent treatment by empowering local authorities to intervene and remedy cruel conditions and by banning the use of painful vanity testing on animals when cosmetics and other household products can easily be tested through alternative means.”
“This legislation ends the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Massachusetts, finally severing our ties to puppy mills and unethical breeding operations,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “For too long, the retail pet industry has not taken accountability for a system that harms animals and misleads hopeful pet owners, allowing sick and vulnerable animals to be sold across the commonwealth.”
“The emotional connection and love between pets and their humans are so often both immeasurable and indescribable,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “I see it with our family dog, Melody, and particularly so between Melody and our children. Everyone should have the chance to experience the joy and, especially true for our kids, responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.”
“Today’s vote is a major step forward for animals and families across Massachusetts,” said Preyel Patel, the Massachusetts State Director of Humane World for Animals. “The PETS Act shuts off the cruel puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline and puts our state at the forefront of humane science by requiring the use of non-animal test methods for cosmetics and household products when validated alternatives are available. Combined with stronger cruelty protections and provisions to keep families and their pets together in their homes, this bill reflects the values our commonwealth strives to uphold.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes