H4319
An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops
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Bill overview
This bill prohibits pet shops in Massachusetts from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The legislation aims to regulate the retail sale of these animals and potentially address concerns about animal welfare and the source of pets sold in these establishments. It seeks to shift the focus of pet retail away from breeding and selling animals from commercial sources. This bill is part of a series of similar legislative efforts.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the retail sale of dogs in pet shops.
- Prohibits the retail sale of cats in pet shops.
- Prohibits the retail sale of rabbits in pet shops.
- Prohibits the retail sale of guinea pigs in pet shops.
- Applies to all pet shops operating within the state of Massachusetts.
- Part of a series of similar bills addressing pet retail regulations.
- Requires a study order to accompany the bill.
- Senate and House have concurred with the bill.
Who is affected
- Pet shops in Massachusetts
- Retailers selling dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs
- Consumers purchasing pets from pet shops
Notable changes
- Represents a significant shift in regulations regarding the sale of common household pets in Massachusetts.
- May impact the business models of pet shops currently selling these animals.
- Aligns with broader efforts to improve animal welfare standards.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Adam J. Scanlon
Cosponsors
Adam J. Scanlon
III John Barrett
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.4319 194th (Current)
An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon and Manny Cruz for legislation to further regulate the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops. Agriculture.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Adam J. Scanlon
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.4319
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 3/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on House Rules |
| 4/3/2025 | House | Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Agriculture |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/4/2025 | House | Discharged to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources |
| 9/8/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order |
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