At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, starting at 10AM, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (JCAF) will consider multiple bills, including these two:
SUPPORT: ACT TO PROTECT ANIMAL HEALTH
HB 2319 would require Massachusetts nonprofit animal rescues that import animals into the state to annually report: (1) the exact number of dogs or cats brought in during the past year; (2) the state or country of origin for each; and (3) an identification of the origination source and transporter.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports HB 2319 as it would enhance oversight of animal imports into Massachusetts, improving public health and animal welfare. Claims that local breeders and pet shops cause dog overpopulation in Massachusetts conflict with data showing that most adoptable animals are imported from other states and countries. For example, from 2021 to 2024, over 41,000 animals were brought into neighboring Connecticut by licensed rescues. A 2019 USDA report found that over 1 million dogs were imported into the U.S. annually—mainly by rescue groups—from largely unregulated sources, with less than 0.28% covered by federal Animal Welfare Act requirements. These imports carry no guarantees as to humane care, individual health, or behavior.
UNDER REVIEW: DEFINITION OF LIVESTOCK
HB 138, “Definition of Livestock,” would prohibit anyone raising, breeding, or keeping dogs for a commercial purpose or in the business of grooming dogs from claiming they are exempt from municipal zoning bylaws because they are protected by the Massachusetts right to farm law. The bill is in response to a legal decision that prevented a town from using zoning bylaws to address neighbors’ nuisance complaints regarding a commercial dog breeding operation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Massachusetts residents are encouraged to contact JCAF to express support of HB 2319. Submit your comments by email to jointcmte-Agriculture@malegislature.gov with “Support HB 2319” in the subject line. Share any experience you or your pets have had with imported animals.
Anyone wishing to speak virtually or in person at the hearing may sign up before Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 5PM by completing this form. You will receive further instruction on how to participate directly from the committee. Those testifying in person should arrive by 10AM in Room B-1, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02133.
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the MassFed at info@massfeddogs.org.