S 2908 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act providing for the humane protection of animals

This law prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs and cats that are younger than eight weeks old, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to $100. It also bans the selling or trading of these animals in public places such as roadside areas, parks, flea markets, and parking lots, while allowing exceptions for licensed shelters, animal control facilities, and educational exhibitions. Local animal control officers or police are responsible for enforcing these rules, and fines increase for repeat offenses of selling animals in public spaces.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2024
Committee Review
Aug 2024
Senate Passage
Dec 2024
House Passage
Dec 2024
Governor
Introduced Jul 29, 2024 Last action Dec 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Dec 30, 2024
Upper · Passed
Enacted and laid before the Governor
upper
Dec 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
Enacted
lower
Dec 26, 2024
Lower · Passed
Read third and passed to be engrossed
lower
Aug 26, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
lower
Aug 26, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Jul 30, 2024
Committee
Read; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Jul 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Read third and passed to be engrossed
upper
Jul 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Reported from the committee on Senate Rules
upper
0 primary · 55 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.