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SD 552

An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 8 co-sponsors

Prohibits licensed pet shops from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs, directing adoption options via rescues or shelters instead.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 552

Summary of Bill SD 552: An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops

Overview

SD 552 seeks to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in Massachusetts pet shops. The measure focuses on shifting away from selling these small animals in storefront pet shops that require licensing under Chapter 129, Section 39A, and directs that pet shops may not offer these animals for sale. The bill allows adoption-focused opportunities via rescues or shelters and preserves local authority to regulate or prohibit such sales.

Key Provisions

  • Amendments to Chapter 129, Section 39A:
    • Insert a new subsection (a) framework designation, clarifying that the section applies to pet shops with required licenses under (a) and regulated under 330 CMR 12.00.
    • Add subsections (b), (c), and (d):
    • (b) Prohibits any person operating a licensed pet shop from selling or offering for sale a dog, cat, rabbit, or guinea pig.
    • (c) Allows pet shops to display space for adoption by animal rescue or shelter organizations, provided the pet shop does not own the animals offered for adoption.
    • (d) Ensures localities retain the authority to regulate or prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs.
  • Effective date: The act would take effect 90 days after passage.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Pet shops that operate under license pursuant to Section 39A and 330 CMR 12.00: prohibited from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs.
  • Animal rescue groups and shelters: can showcase animals for adoption in pet shops, expanding adoption opportunities.
  • Local governments: retain authority to regulate or prohibit these sales within their jurisdictions.
  • Consumers: potential shift from purchasing to adopting these animals; increased emphasis on adoption pathways.
  • Enforcement: likely through the existing licensing and regulatory framework applicable to licensed pet shops; aligns with current regulatory structure.

Timeline and Legislative Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; House concurred (status indicates the House has concurred with the Senate version).
  • Next steps (if enacted): If signed by the Governor, the act would become law 90 days after passage, with implementation focused on licensed pet shops and adoption-space provisions.

Notes

  • The bill explicitly preserves local authority to regulate or prohibit such sales, allowing municipalities to enact more stringent rules if they choose.
  • The bill is positioned as an environmental/animal welfare measure by rechanneling retail sales toward adoption rather than direct sale in pet shops.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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