BOSTON — A proposed ban on the retail sale of dogs and cats is emerging as one of the biggest differences between the Massachusetts House and Senate versions of a sweeping animal welfare bill now moving through the Legislature.
The legislation, known as the PETS Act, passed the Senate unanimously in March with language that would prohibit pet stores from commercially selling dogs and cats. The House passed its version on July 15, but left that provision out. The two chambers must now resolve their differences before the legislation can reach the governor.
The Senate’s version was approved by a 38-0 vote on March 19. Supporters said ending commercial sales in pet stores would help break the connection between retail pet sales and large-scale breeding operations.
Under the Senate proposal, pet stores would still be able to operate and could partner with shelters and rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption. The bill also includes provisions addressing animal testing, pet ownership in public housing and other animal welfare issues.
Supporters of the ban argue that federal licensing and inspections of commercial breeding facilities do not necessarily mean animals are being raised under strong welfare standards.
Allison Blanck, director of advocacy for the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said some federally licensed facilities can house hundreds of dogs while still meeting what she described as minimal federal standards.
The debate, however, is not only about animal welfare. Opponents of the ban say removing regulated pet stores from the market could push consumers toward sellers operating with less oversight.
Alisa Clements, director of government affairs for the Pet Advocacy Network, argued that lawmakers should strengthen standards for regulated businesses rather than eliminate retail sales.
The House’s decision to leave the pet-store provision out of its version has made the issue a central point in negotiations. A House amendment that sought to add restrictions on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in new pet shops was withdrawn during consideration of the legislation.
The disagreement comes as Massachusetts already has regulations governing pet shops and animal sales. State law requires pet shops to be licensed and allows regulations covering the condition of their premises and the health of animals. Massachusetts also prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs and cats younger than 8 weeks and restricts certain sales in public spaces and outdoor markets.
The latest information from animal-welfare groups indicates that the PETS Act is now awaiting the next stage of the legislative process. The MSPCA-Angell says that if the Senate does not concur with the House version, the bill is expected to move to a conference committee, where lawmakers from both chambers would work to reconcile the differences.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston likewise reported on Aug. 11 that the Senate and House versions contain several shared animal-protection measures but still differ over the pet-store sales ban.
For Massachusetts pet owners and pet businesses, the outcome could determine whether commercial sales of dogs and cats in pet stores remain legal or are replaced by a model centered on breeders, shelters and rescue partnerships.
The ban has not become law. Lawmakers still have to settle the differences between the two versions of the PETS Act before a final bill can be sent to the governor.
