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Witnesses split over bills to ban retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits in Massachusetts pet shops
Summary
The committee heard intense testimony both for and against multiple bills (H.967, S.650, S.651, H.4319 and related measures) that would restrict or ban retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores; supporters cited puppy‑mill sourcing and consumer protection, opponents warned of lost small businesses and unintended consequences.
Lawmakers took oral testimony on several companion bills that would restrict or ban retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Massachusetts pet shops, with a steady stream of residents, animal‑welfare groups and industry representatives offering sharply divergent accounts of sourcing, consumer harm and local economic effects.
Proponents — including the MSPCA, Humane World for Animals, city councillors and animal‑welfare advocates — said commercial pet shops remain a primary distribution channel for animals from large scale commercial breeders ("puppy mills") and brokers who obscure origins, and that sales lead to animal suffering and consumer harm. "Puppies that originate from USDA licensed puppy mills are taken…
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