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HD 4490

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 7 co-sponsors

The bill bans the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in licensed pet shops and allows adoption displays by rescues without ownership by the shop.

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Agriculture
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Bill Summary · HD 4490

Summary: An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops (HD 4490)

Overview

  • Bill: An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops
  • Bill number: House Docket No. 4490 (HD 4490)
  • Sponsor: Rep. Adam J. Scanlon (with multiple cosponsors)
  • Introduction and status: Introduced March 27, 2025. Reported to the committee on House Rules, then referred with rules suspended to the committee on Agriculture. Legislative actions also show ongoing committee consideration.
  • Classification: Proposed bill (House; companion or Senate actions not shown here)

What the bill would do

  • Prohibit the retail sale of four species—dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs—in pet shops that require a license under current licensing provisions.
  • Permit pet shops to provide space for animal rescue or shelter organizations to showcase animals for adoption, so long as the shop does not own or take ownership of the animals offered for adoption.
  • Preserve local authority: The bill clarifies that municipalities retain the power to regulate or prohibit the sale of these animals as they see fit.
  • Apply to licensed pet shops regulated under 330 CMR 12.00 (the regulatory framework referenced in the bill).

Key provisions (highlights)

  • Section 1–3: Amendments to Chapter 129, Section 39A
    • (a) Re-emphasizes the licensing framework for pet shops (as currently in 39A) with an added structural labeling.
    • (b) Prohibits any person operating a pet shop licensed under subsection (a) from selling or offering for sale a dog, cat, rabbit, or guinea pig.
    • (c) Allows pet shops to display space for adoptions by animal rescue or shelter organizations, provided the pet shop does not own the animals offered for adoption.
    • (d)Affirms that localities may regulate or prohibit the sale of these animals notwithstanding the bill’s provisions.
  • Section 4: Effective date
    • The act would take effect 90 days after its passage.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Pet shops licensed under the applicable licensing regime (subsection (a) of Section 39A, Chapter 129) and regulated under 330 CMR 12.00.
  • Secondary: Animal rescue or shelter organizations, which would be able to use pet-shop space to showcase animals for adoption (without ownership of those animals by the shop).
  • Localities: Cities and towns would continue to regulate or prohibit sale of these animals beyond the bill’s framework.

Implementation timeline

  • Effective date: 90 days after the act becomes law.
  • Legislative timeline: Introduced March 27, 2025; progressed through House Rules and Agriculture committees as part of standard committee referrals and reports.

Legislative context and notes

  • The bill changes existing practice by restricting retail sales in pet shops and aligning with adoption-focused models, while maintaining licensing and local regulatory authority.
  • It references existing licensing and regulatory frameworks (Section 39A, Chapter 129; 330 CMR 12.00) to define scope and enforcement.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar bills in other states or provide a potential compliance checklist for pet shops and rescues under this proposal.

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

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