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SD 2945

An Act promoting the safety of dogs in the custody of kennels

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold

Allows removing a dog’s license tag in kennels if the dog has another identification method (microchip/tattoo), with licensure proof accessible onsite.

Referred to the committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
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Bill Summary · SD 2945

Summary of Senate Bill SD 2945: An Act promoting the safety of dogs in the custody of kennels

Overview

SD 2945 is a proposed Massachusetts bill introduced on June 5, 2025 by Senator Barry R. Finegold. The bill, currently referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, seeks to enhance safety and identification practices for dogs housed in licensed kennels. It focuses on allowing the temporary removal of physical license tags when dogs have alternative forms of identification (e.g., microchips or tattoos), while ensuring that licensure information remains accessible onsite.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Identification and tag removal (Chapter 140, Section 137):
    Allows a kennel keeper to remove a dog’s affixed license tag while the dog is in a licensed kennel if the dog has another means of identification (microchip or tattoo). Crucially, it requires that proof of licensure (via tag, electronic record, certificate, or other verifiable method) be accessible onsite. The kennel must maintain access to a microchip reader capable of reading common formats for dogs identified by microchips.

  • Section 2 – Identification at licensing records (Chapter 140, Section 145B):
    Adds that a kennel keeper may opt not to affix the tag if the dog has another identification method (microchip or tattoo), with the certificate or licensure proof accessible onsite. As in Section 1, a microchip reader must be available onsite.

  • Section 3 – Penalty and tag removal clarification (Chapter 272, Section 85A):
    Amends the monetary reference by removing the word “dollars” and inserting language clarifying that a keeper may remove a license tag in accordance with sections 137 or 145B, and such removal shall not constitute a violation of this section.

Who Is Affected

  • Licensed kennels and dog keepers: Primary implementing entities; required to have onsite access to licensure proof and to possess a functional microchip reader if microchips are used.
  • Dogs in kennels: May have their license tags removed if identified by alternative means, potentially simplifying certain kennel operations.
  • Dog owners and municipalities: Indirectly affected through changes to licensing verification and identification practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: June 5, 2025
  • Current status: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government; Rules of the two branches referred concurrently on June 5, 2025; Rules suspended on June 12, 2025.
  • The bill would take effect if enacted and any implementing regulations or timelines would be established upon final passage.

Display and Impact

  • The bill emphasizes safety via reliable identification while permitting practical20 tag management in kennels.
  • It imposes minimal new administrative burdens beyond onsite licensure access and microchip reader availability for kennels opting to rely on microchips or tattoos for identification.

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

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