By Bob Katzen
House 151-1, approved a bill that supporters say will strengthen animal welfare protections, modernize veterinary technician licensing and support responsible pet ownership.
The House version of the measure does not include a major provision that is in the version of the bill already passed by the Senate. Supporters of the Senate version say that the Senate version would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores. The House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Provisions of the House measure include modernizing the state’s dog licensing and kennel oversight laws by strengthening inspection requirements; improving reporting from licensing authorities; ensuring that dogs housed in kennels are properly licensed; and establishing a clearer legal process for addressing cases of animal neglect. Law enforcement and animal control officers will be able to petition courts for timely intervention when animals are suffering from neglect, allowing courts to order appropriate care, remove animals from dangerous situations when necessary or permanently prohibit individuals from owning animals in serious cases.
The bill strengthens protections for animals used in research by expanding adoption opportunities for dogs and cats after research concludes. Other provisions prohibit a manufacturer or contract testing facility from using a traditional animal test method if there is an alternative test method when testing a product, product formulation, chemical or ingredient; updates Massachusetts law governing pet insurance by adopting nationally recognized consumer protection standards; establishes penalties for transportation network companies like Uber and their drivers who unlawfully refuse service to riders accompanied by service animals; and establishes a statewide pet ownership program for older adults living in public housing. The program prohibits blanket bans on pets while allowing housing authorities to adopt reasonable pet policies that protect residents, animals and housing facilities.
“This legislation modernizes the commonwealth’s animal welfare laws while supporting responsible pet ownership, strengthening veterinary care, protecting consumers and while ensuring stronger enforcement of existing animal protection laws,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).
“If there is any issue that we can all agree on, it’s that all of our furry friends deserve long, happy lives,” said Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham), House chair of the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. “This legislation is a strong step towards that goal. We are employing robust measures to promote good caretaking and penalize bad actors, such as expanding policy related to veterinary technicians and pet insurance, banning the use of animals in household product safety research and adding new oversight to the kennel industry. I am especially proud of the wide bipartisan support that this bill garnered, highlighting our collective unity on this issue.”
“This is more of the state putting its thumbs on the scales with local communities,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only member to vote against the measure. “Animals are being transformed from pets into four-legged humans and while I hate the idea of someone having to give up a pet to go into state housing, the burden this places on others is one that is being overlooked, not to mention the additional costs of repairing and rehabilitating housing for the next resident after a pet owner leaves. The restrictions on small businesses are too much. Pet stores track their animals and maintain health records prior to selling. If the state would just enforce the laws we already have, this would be unnecessary.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Didn’t Vote