New laws block sales of newborn dogs and cats
Photo I Courtesy of State House News Service
On Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey signed laws prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats under eight weeks of age and the roadside sale of animals.
Gov. Maura Healey signed a law Wednesday that bans the sale of puppies and kittens under eight weeks old, as well as the roadside sale of animals, her office said.
While pet shops and shelters are already blocked from selling young animals, the new law closes a gap and extends to all individuals, according to the MSPCA-Angell animal welfare advocacy group that supported the bill (S 2908). Separating young animals from their mothers and littermates can lead to health and behavioral problems, including dog biting, which the MSCPA-Angell warns could ultimately turn into a public safety threat.
Violators could be fined up to $100.
The new law also prohibits cats and dogs from being sold on "any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park or other recreation area, flea market or other outdoor market or commercial or retail parking lot." A first offense comes with a fine of up to $50, followed by a fine of up to $100 for a second offense. Subsequent fines are capped at $300.
The roadside sale prohibition does not apply to the transfer of dogs and cats to licensed shelters, animal rescue organizations or municipal animal control facilities. It also doesn't impact the display of dogs and cats at a fair exhibition or 4-H program.
The Legislature sent the bill to Healey's desk on Dec. 30 during its last sessions of the two-year term. The Senate passed the bill on July 29, while the House passed it on Dec. 26.
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