Braintree Woman Wants to End Puppy Mill Sales

On Monday, July 22, S.175 "An Act banning the retail sale of cats and dogs in pet shops" will be heard by the Joint Committee of Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure at 1:00 PM in Room A-2 of the State House. Interested attendees from across the state will participate in a full day of activities including remarks, legislator visits, and the hearing.

"Consumers have no idea where pet store puppies really come from and are unprepared for the often complicated needs and medical issues that come with them. In addition, pet stores make it very difficult to determine exactly where their puppies come from. As a consumer, why can't I find that out BEFORE I buy, instead of after?" says Elizabeth Maglio, a Braintree resident and one of the founders of Mass Coalition to End Puppy Mills. The coalition is a statewide organization behind the successful Boston puppy mill ban, and similar ordinances in Cambridge and Stoneham. Efforts are in process in Plainville and Springfield, and about to kick off in three other communities.

The day starts with remarks and a call to action by the bill's sponsors at 10:30 am in Room 428. Confirmed speakers are Sen. O’Connor and Rep. Higgins, Mass Coalition to End Puppy Mills, Boston City Councillor Matt O’Malley, Lenore Montanaro Esq.; and Sweet Paws Rescue. Representatives of the MSPCA, ARL, Humane Society and Best Friends will be on hand for Q&A.

At approximately 11:30 am attendees will visit legislators and break for lunch. Morning attendees and additional participants will reconvene to testify at the 1:00 PM hearing.

This bill will prevent animals from puppy mills from being transported into Massachusetts and sold to unsuspecting consumers at pet shops. It does not prevent consumers from purchasing dogs directly from responsible breeders or from adopting dogs from shelters. Groups across the state, from Western Mass, Central, South Shore, North Shore, Metro West areas will be in attendance.