Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes new protections for pets in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Establishes a pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing who are elderly or capable of reasonably caring for a pet (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits state-aided public housing facilities from imposing outright pet bans or discriminating against tenants based solely on a pet’s breed, size, weight, or appearance (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits pet shops from selling or offering for sale any dog or cat, though they may provide space for rescue organizations to showcase animals for adoption (Sec. 6). 

• Requires research institutions and product testing facilities to assess the health of dogs and cats after research is complete to determine if they are suitable for adoption (Sec. 9). 

• Requires these facilities to make reasonable effort to offer suitable animals to rescue organizations for adoption before considering euthanasia (Sec. 9). 

• Requires research and testing facilities to report annual data to the department of agricultural resources regarding the use and disposition of dogs and cats (Sec. 9). 

• Prohibits any person from subjecting a household pet to “cruel conditions” which includes exposure to excessive waste, lack of protection from environmental risks, or inhumane tethering (Sec. 10). 

• Prohibits manufacturers or contract testing facilities from using traditional animal test methods for cosmetics or household products if a valid alternative test method exists (Sec. 14). 

• Prohibits homeowners or renters insurance providers from considering a dog’s breed when deciding whether to provide, renew, or cancel a policy, or when establishing premiums (Sec. 15). 

• Authorizes insurers to inquire if a dog has been declared dangerous by a municipality or has a known history of injuring people or other animals (Sec. 15). 

• Establishes a schedule of fines for animal cruelty and neglect, ranging from a written warning for a first offense to a $500 fine and potential loss of animal ownership for subsequent offenses (Sec. 16). 

• Requires the executive office of housing and livable communities to conduct a study of the prevalence and effects of pet-related fees on housing stability and animal shelter intake (Sec. 17). 

• Specifies that Sections 4-6 take effect 180 days after passage (Sec. 19).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes new protections for pets in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Establishes a pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing who are elderly or capable of reasonably caring for a pet (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits state-aided public housing facilities from imposing outright pet bans or discriminating against tenants based solely on a pet’s breed, size, weight, or appearance (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits pet shops from selling or offering for sale any dog or cat, though they may provide space for rescue organizations to showcase animals for adoption (Sec. 6). 

• Requires research institutions and product testing facilities to assess the health of dogs and cats after research is complete to determine if they are suitable for adoption (Sec. 9). 

• Requires these facilities to make reasonable effort to offer suitable animals to rescue organizations for adoption before considering euthanasia (Sec. 9). 

• Requires research and testing facilities to report annual data to the department of agricultural resources regarding the use and disposition of dogs and cats (Sec. 9). 

• Prohibits any person from subjecting a household pet to “cruel conditions” which includes exposure to excessive waste, lack of protection from environmental risks, or inhumane tethering (Sec. 10). 

• Prohibits manufacturers or contract testing facilities from using traditional animal test methods for cosmetics or household products if a valid alternative test method exists (Sec. 14). 

• Prohibits homeowners or renters insurance providers from considering a dog’s breed when deciding whether to provide, renew, or cancel a policy, or when establishing premiums (Sec. 15). 

• Authorizes insurers to inquire if a dog has been declared dangerous by a municipality or has a known history of injuring people or other animals (Sec. 15). 

• Establishes a schedule of fines for animal cruelty and neglect, ranging from a written warning for a first offense to a $500 fine and potential loss of animal ownership for subsequent offenses (Sec. 16). 

• Requires the executive office of housing and livable communities to conduct a study of the prevalence and effects of pet-related fees on housing stability and animal shelter intake (Sec. 17). 

• Specifies that Sections 4-6 take effect 180 days after passage (Sec. 19).

Full Bill Text