© 2024 Maine Public

Bangor Studio/Membership Department
63 Texas Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401

Lewiston Studio
1450 Lisbon St.
Lewiston, ME 04240

Portland Studio
323 Marginal Way
Portland, ME 04101

Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

'Puppy Mill' bills go before Massachusetts legislative committee

Ed Frerotte, of Petqua pet store, and the store cat Frankie stand at the counter on May 22, 2008, in New York. New York has become the latest state to ban the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet stores in an attempt to target commercial breeding operations decried by critics as “puppy mills.” The law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, will take effect in 2024.
Diane Bondareff
/
AP
Ed Frerotte, of Petqua pet store, and the store cat Frankie stand at the counter on May 22, 2008, in New York. New York has become the latest state to ban the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet stores in an attempt to target commercial breeding operations decried by critics as “puppy mills.” The law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, will take effect in 2024.

Bills in Massachusetts seeking to ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops went before a legislative panel on Beacon Hill on Wednesday.

Different versions of the proposal would prohibit new retailers from selling pets or would ban the practice entirely.

Supporters said animals bred in so-called "puppy mills" out of state are raised in substandard conditions and develop health and behavioral issues.

State Sen. Patrick O'Connor, R-Weymouth, is a sponsor of the legislation. He said this also presents a consumer protection issue.

"The Humane Society has reported that they receive large volumes of complaints every year from owners who have spent thousands of their own dollars in veterinary bills caring for sick puppies — when the store that sold the puppy likely knew of these issues and never told them."

But John Mellace a pet store owner, said the legislation would hurt those retailers who work with responsible breeders.

"I discuss standards protocols and accountability that makes sure that they are humanly raising healthy puppies," Mellace said.

Mellace said he offers those looking to buy a pet plenty in the way of warranties and guarantees when they make a purchase.

Springfield and Pittsfield are among 13 Massachusetts communities with local bans on retail pet sales. There have been other attempts to take such laws statewide, which have stalled out in the Legislature.

The proposal would not impact animal breeders who sell the pets they raise directly to customers.

The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday also took testimony on bills seeking to ban the sale of fur products and looking to further regulate conditions for animals at boarding kennels and pet daycare facilities.

Adam joined NEPM as a freelance reporter and fill-in operations assistant during the summer of 2011. For more than 15 years, Adam has had a number stops throughout his broadcast career, including as a news reporter and anchor, sports host and play-by-play announcer as well as a producer and technician.