By Bob Katzen

The House, on a voice vote, without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill that would ban the commercial sale of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs in pet stores. The measure does allow pet shops to offer space to an animal rescue or shelter organization to showcase dogs, cats, rabbits or guinea pigs that are up for adoption as long as the pet shop does not have an ownership interest in the animals offered for adoption.

Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the bill and its passage.

Supporters said the bill would finally sever the state’s ties to the horrible puppy mills and other unethical breeding of these animals. They said this would put an end to a system that harms animals and misleads hopeful pet owners, allowing sick and vulnerable animals to be sold across the state.

“[The bill] will help end the puppy mill–to–pet shop pipeline while still allowing pet shops to partner with shelters and rescues to showcase adoptable animals,” said Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy at MSPCA-Angell. “The bill also covers rabbits and guinea pigs – animals who often come from the same inhumane breeding operations and are overflowing in local shelters. By shifting to partnerships and focusing on pet supplies and services like grooming, pet shops can still operate by transitioning to a more humane business model when this bill passes.”