Many constituents shared their feelings about the laws governing pet ownership in the Commonwealth and now those provisions are one step closer to being law. Thhe MA House passed H.5581, An Act Promoting Pet Equality, Treatment, and Safety, or the PETS Act.
Included in the legislation are provisions to remove barriers to public housing for pet owners, outline a civil process for animal neglect complaints, establish licensure for veterinary technicians, ban product testing on animals when an alternative method exists, expand oversight of dog kennels, regulate pet insurance, and impose escalating fines on rideshare drivers who fail accommodate riders with special needs. The House version of the PETS Act does not include a ban on sales of cats and dogs at licensed pet stores. Having now passed in both the House and Senate, a conference committee will be appointed to reconcile the two versions of the bill.
We are grateful for the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano , HWM Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Chair Jack Lewis, as well as all of our pet-loving constituents, for sharing your support and advocacy on behalf of our animal friends. See Team Hogan’s family of pets below!
