Senate Passes Bill Filed by Sen. Spilka to Protect Puppies and Kittens

MASSACHUSETTS—A bill that aims to strengthen the "Puppy Lemon Law" already in place in the Bay State was passed on Tuesday.

Filed by Senator Karen Spilka, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve several areas of current law dealing with the sale and treatment of dogs and cats. S.2370 An Act relative to protecting puppies and kittens ensures that puppies and kittens are bred and sold in safe and healthy environments and strengthens and gives pet owners more options if they unknowingly purchase a sick pet.

“As an animal lover, pet owner and occasional small scale breeder, I am deeply aware of the emotional challenges for families when a pet falls ill, as well as the need to protect the health and safety of young animals,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Senator Karen E. Spilka, D-Ashland, lead sponsor of the bill, in a statement. “This bill is the result of extensive discussion with both breeders and animal rights activists to protect consumers and puppies and kittens across the Commonwealth.”

“This is a significant victory for both animals and consumers," said Kara Holmquist, director of Advocacy at MSPCA-Angell. "We receive complaints about, and state records document, consumers who have been devastated after purchasing a puppy who they quickly find out is sick.This bill will allow better remedies for these families, prevent pet shops from selling puppies and kittens from large-scale breeders with significant violations of the Animal Welfare Act and support safe, healthy development for growing animals. We thank Senator Spilka for being a great champion for both animals and the people who care about them.”

The bill applies breeding and safety standards and prohibits the sale of puppies and kittens younger than eight weeks old. It also outlines remedies available to a buyer if their pet is declared "unfit for purchase" by a veterinarian, including a refund and reimbursement for veterinary fees.

According to the announcement, the bill also regulates commercial breeders and so-called “puppy mills” to further protect the health and safety of animals. It prohibits pet shops from selling dogs or cats that originate at or are purchased from breeders that are not properly licensed or have committed certain violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Pet shops would also be required to maintain certain compliance records and conspicuously post identifying information for the animal and the breeder.

Finally, the bill empowers the Department of Agriculture to create rules and regulations to ensure commercial breeders maintain humane conditions.

The bill now goes the House of Representatives for consideration.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons