Yesterday, AKC GR reported that Massachusetts Senate Bill 2370 was passed by the Senate with amendments. Since then, we have learned that the bill has been given a new bill number and descriptive title, and assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Now numbered as Senate Bill 2390, the bill is described as, “An act providing additional penalties for the improper treatment of certain animals.” The American Kennel Club remains opposed to the bill for a number of reasons, including:
- New amendments that include expanded restrictions on dog breeders, even though the measure had been carefully negotiated over several years by a broad range Massachusetts animal groups, including the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs.
- An amendment adopted on the Senate floor that establishes fines of $250-$1,500 for anyone who fails to license their kennel, unless they forfeit ownership and control of their dogs.
- Empowering the Department of Agricultural Resources to create rules and regulations for personal kennels with as few as eight intact female dogs.
The AKC also remains deeply troubled that S.2390 fails to account for the estimated tens of thousands of dogs and cats from unregulated sources imported annually into Massachusetts for sale in shelters, which threaten the public’s health. While breeders and pet stores have been the subject of increased critical focus and regulation, updates to Massachusetts’ regulations overseeing animal importation to supply shelters are long overdue. Government oversight of shelter operations and instituting importation rules similar to surrounding states deserves greater attention by the General Court than any of the issues S.2390 attempts to address.
Concerned Massachusetts residents may begin contact the members of the House Ways and Means Committee to express concerns with S.2390. Click here for committee member information. AKC GR will provide committee hearing information when it becomes available.
For more information about S.2390, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720.
Yesterday, AKC GR reported that Massachusetts Senate Bill 2370 was passed by the Senate with amendments. Since then, we have learned that the bill has been given a new bill number and descriptive title, and assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.