S 549 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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

This bill amends Massachusetts state law to prohibit new pet shops from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. Under the proposed rules, existing pet shop owners who already hold a Class A license from the Department of Agricultural Resources may continue selling these animals, but only from their licensed locations. The legislation does not restrict local governments from passing their own bans on the sale of these pets. Additionally, the bill declares itself an emergency measure to take effect immediately.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Jun 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 13, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Jun 6, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 8, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
upper
1 primary · 19 co-sponsors

Sponsors