Bill > H1757

This bill amends the existing laws in Massachusetts to regulate commercial breeder kennels, also known as "puppy mills." The key provisions include: 1. Requiring commercial breeder kennels to obtain a breeder license from the city or town where the kennel is located, which must be renewed annually. 2. Establishing requirements for the breeder license, such as requiring dogs to wear a collar or harness with a tag displaying the license number, the issuing city/town, and the year of issue. 3. Allowing the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources or animal control officers to inspect commercial breeder kennels and issue orders for correcting any sanitary, humane, or disease-related issues. The Commissioner can also recommend the revocation or suspension of a license to the issuing city/town. 4. Imposing a fine of $50 to $100 on any commercial breeder kennel that sells or exchanges a dog after their license has been revoked or suspended. 5. Requiring the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources to prescribe a minimum standard of care for dogs housed in commercial breeder kennels, including provisions for appropriate living space, shelter, nutrition, and sanitary conditions.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1757