Massachusetts lawmakers have introduced bills targeting pet shop regulations, intending to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits that don’t come from shelters or rescue organizations. The move has initiated a contentious discussion between animal rights activists and certain pet shop owners who vouch for their partnerships with ethical breeders, as reported by NBC Boston and Vermont Public.
Senator Patrick O’Connor and Representatives Natalie Higgins and Kimberly Ferguson proposed two bills (S 549 / H 826) to prevent newly opened pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits, unless sourced from shelters or rescue organizations. O’Connor additionally refiled a standalone legislation (S 550) to inflict to impose these limitations, on all pet stores including those already established.
Animal welfare advocates back these measures, claiming that several pet stores procure their animals from out-of-state, USDA-licensed commercial breeding facilities with unfit care and breeding standards. This claim was underscored by Senator O’Connor during a hearing earlier today.
Source : Hoodline
