H 4365
relative to updating animal health inspections
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill updates the regulations for animal health inspections in Massachusetts, specifically by defining and regulating ‘personal breeder kennels.’ It requires the Department of Agricultural Resources to create rules ensuring proper housing, nutrition, and care for animals in kennels, including both commercial and personal breeder facilities. The bill also outlines inspection procedures and appeals processes for license suspensions or revocations.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘personal breeder kennel’ as a pack of 3 or more intact female dogs bred for sale, excluding private use or commercial sales.
- Requires the Department of Agricultural Resources to promulgate rules for commercial and personal breeder kennels regarding housing, nutrition, and animal welfare.
- Establishes inspection procedures, including notification requirements and potential license suspension or revocation for non-compliance.
- Allows for appeals of license actions to district court or the Division of Administrative Law Appeals.
- Sets a timeframe (18 months) for the Department to promulgate the required regulations.
- Mandates the Department to provide updated regulations and training to local officials.
- Specifies inspection hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) unless otherwise agreed.
- Allows for inspection of residences used for kennel purposes or record-keeping.
Who is affected
- Animal breeders (commercial and personal)
- Animal control officers
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Cosponsors
Adam J. Scanlon
Brian M. Ashe
Brian W. Murray
Colleen M. Garry
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Bill H.4365 194th (Current)
An Act relative to updating animal health inspections
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4365
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/4/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government |
| 8/4/2025 | House | New draft of H2253 |
| 8/4/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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