There is fantastic news coming out of the State House! The Massachusetts House’s overwhelming passed the PETS Act (H 5589), 151-1, approving this bill that will strengthen animal welfare protections, modernize veterinary technician licensing and support responsible pet ownership. While the legislation is not yet final and must still be reconciled between the House and Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk, this vote represents meaningful progress that deserves recognition and celebration!
As someone in who in 2021 put forward and successfully advanced a Citizen’s Petition here in Plymouth creating a Bylaw which received overwhelming support restricting the sale of commercially bred puppies, cats and rabbits, this legislation is something I have followed closely. Like many residents, I was disappointed that the House version did not include the Senate’s provision ending the puppy mill to pet shop pipeline or the provision preventing homeowners’ and renters’ insurance companies from discriminating against responsible dog owners based solely on breed of their dog. But make no mistake, these remain high priorities that myself and many other residents will continue advocating for as negotiations continue. In spite of that, we can’t allow the absence of those provisions to overshadow what this bill does accomplish. And there is great news to report!
The PETS Act strengthens protections for animals by requiring the use of non-animal testing methods when equally effective alternatives exist, removing breed and weight restrictions in state-aided housing, protecting seniors’ ability to keep companion animals in public housing, improving protections for neglected animals, strengthening kennel oversight, modernizing veterinary technician licensing, improving consumer protections for pet insurance, and providing additional funding for animal welfare programs. These are thoughtful, practical reforms that will improve the lives of both animals and the people who care for them.
I want to recognize and thank State Senator Dylan Fernandes, State Representative Michelle Badger and State Representative Kathy LaNatra for supporting this legislation. Their commitment to advancing meaningful animal welfare protections reflects the values of many residents throughout our community. They deserve a huge shout out for helping move this important bill forward.
Unfortunately, there was ONE vote that stood apart which is extremely troubling, and that is from Representative John Gaskey, from Carver who was the ONLY person to vote “No” on the bill. According to the Lowell Sun’s Beacon Hill Roll Call, Representative Gaskey, stated:
“This is more of the state putting its thumbs on the scales with local communities. Animals are being transformed from pets into four-legged humans… The restrictions on small businesses are too much. Pet stores track their animals and maintain health records prior to selling. If the state would just enforce the laws we already have, this would be unnecessary.”
What is so concerning about these comments, is they criticize provisions that were not actually included in the House bill. The House version of the PETS Act did not contain the pet shop sales prohibition that many of us had hoped would remain. His vote appears completely out of touch, as not only was it not included, according to a 2024 ASPCA poll, 87% of Massachusetts residents support legislation prohibiting pet shops from selling puppy mill dogs. Representative Gaskey, has a critical opportunity to listen to his constituents. If it is allowed back in the final bill.
Representative Gaskey also suggested that allowing pets in state-aided housing would unfairly burden future tenants with repair costs. Existing lease agreements and housing policies already address damage caused by tenants, whether or not they own pets.
Legislators have every right to oppose legislation. But they also have a responsibility to fully understand what they are voting on, particularly when casting the only dissenting vote.
The PETS Act is not perfect, but it is an important step forward. It reflects years of work by animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, legislators, and residents across the Commonwealth who understand that protecting animals also strengthens our communities.
I remain hopeful that the conference committee will restore the Senate’s stronger protections, including ending the puppy mill to pet shop pipeline and prohibiting breed discrimination by insurance companies. Until then, this is a victory worth celebrating, and I thank everyone who worked to move Massachusetts one step closer to becoming a national leader in animal welfare.
The Lowell Sun Beacon Hill Roll Call article discussing the House vote is available here: Beacon Hill Roll Call: Pet protection bill passes.
Kathryn Holmes