S 2720
An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops
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Bill overview
This bill proposes to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops within Massachusetts. The legislation aims to address concerns about animal welfare and the sourcing of animals sold in these establishments. It builds upon previous legislative efforts to restrict the sale of certain animals in pet stores. The bill seeks to limit the availability of these animals through retail sales.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops.
- Applies to existing pet shops.
- May also apply to new pet shops, depending on the final version of the bill.
- The bill is based on previous legislation and amendments.
- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources reported the bill favorably.
- The bill was referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means.
- The bill is related to other legislation concerning pet equity and safety.
- The bill is based on S640, S1022 and S1190
Who is affected
- Pet shop owners and operators
- Consumers purchasing pets
- Animal welfare organizations
- Massachusetts residents
- The pet industry
Notable changes
- The bill builds upon previous attempts to ban the sale of animals in pet shops.
- It addresses concerns about the sourcing and welfare of animals sold in pet stores.
- The bill is part of a broader effort to improve animal protection laws in Massachusetts.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Cosponsors
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Bill S.2720 194th (Current)
An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops
Senate November 19, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 618) of Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 650) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2720).
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Tabs
Bill History Amendments Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 9 actions for Bill S.2720
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/19/2025 | Senate | Reported from the committee on Environment and Natural Resources |
| 11/19/2025 | Senate | New draft of S618, S650 and S651 |
| 11/19/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
| 3/12/2026 | Senate | Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting a new draft, see S3014 |
| 3/12/2026 | Senate | Also based on S640, S1022 and S1190 |
| 3/12/2026 | Senate | Order relative to subject matter adopted |
| 3/12/2026 | Senate | Placed in the Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| 3/19/2026 | Senate | Read second |
| 3/19/2026 | Senate | New draft substituted, see S3014 |
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