Massachusetts Lawmakers Debate Ban on Pet Store Sales of Dogs and Cats
Massachusetts lawmakers are currently debating a comprehensive animal welfare bill, with a key point of contention being a proposed ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. The Massachusetts PETS Act, which passed the Senate in March and the House in July, includes various animal welfare measures such as a ban on using live animals for cosmetic testing, increased funding for the state's animal fund, and protections against discrimination based on pet size or breed in public housing. However, the Senate's version of the bill contains a provision that would prohibit retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats, a measure not present in the House version. Supporters of the ban, including Allison Blanck, director of advocacy for the Animal Rescue League of Boston, argue it would disrupt the 'puppy-mill-to-retail-store pipeline,' citing minimal federal licensing and inspection standards for large-scale commercial breeding facilities. They suggest pet stores could instead partner with non-profit animal shelters ... 
