Bill > H755

This bill amends Chapter 129 of the General Laws to regulate the importation of certain domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, into Massachusetts for the purposes of rescue, shelter, foster care, adoption, or remote sale. Key provisions include: - Requiring organizations that import animals into the state to obtain an "import registration" from the Department of Agricultural Resources, and requiring professional transport organizations to obtain a "carrier registration" to transport animals into the state on behalf of registered organizations. - Establishing record-keeping requirements for organizations and carriers, including maintaining detailed individual animal records and providing notifications to the department prior to animal shipments. - Setting standards for the health and welfare of imported animals, such as requiring isolation periods, veterinary inspections, and spay/neuter procedures before adoption. - Allowing the department to inspect facilities, issue quarantine orders, and impose administrative fines for violations. - Exempting registered organizations from certain marketing regulations for animals in their care. The goal of the bill is to ensure the health and safety of domesticated animals imported into Massachusetts for rescue, shelter, and adoption purposes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H755