Pet Equity Legislation Gains Momentum on Beacon Hill
Over the past 30 years, Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the MSPCA, says she has seen a shift in favor of animal welfare policies on Beacon Hill and beyond. Now, she and other pet advocates are hopeful that a bill aimed at improving animal safety and equity for owners will make it to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk.
“I do feel that the current Legislature is overall very supportive of animal issues. I think they understand how important the relationship between animals and people and their owners are,” Holmquist said during an advocacy day for the bill (S 2038) held along with Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Legal Defense Fund and Humane World for Animals.
“A lot of the issues that we’re working on don’t just impact animals, but impacts people who are living with pets, consumers, and really help, you know, not just animals, but people in the commonwealth also,” she added.
Senate-Passed Bill Expands Animal Welfare Protections
In March, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that bans the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops and includes protections for pet owners living in public housing. The bill also bars manufacturers and contract testing facilities from using traditional animal testing methods for cosmetic or household products, product formulation, chemicals or ingredients. It’s currently pending in the House Ways and Means Committee, where a glut of more than 1,050 bills are idling. There are also other House bills in front of the Ways and Means Committee that address pieces of the sweeping legislation senators passed.
Insurance Provision Targets Breed-Based Underwriting
One bill (H 989) sponsored by Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis prohibits manufacturers and contract testing facilities from testing products on animals. Another bill from Reps. David Rogers and Samantha Montano (H 1559) includes protections for pet owners in public housing including limits on how much housing providers can charge for pet fees. It also prevents homeowners and renters insurance providers from taking a dog breed into consideration when setting the rate or deciding to provide, renew or cancel a policy. The bill cleared the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling in January and was ordered to a third reading in February. Legislation from Rep. Tackey Chan (H 4835) also directs the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a program for pet ownership among elderly residents of public housing.
A spokesperson for the House Ways and Means Committee did not respond to questions about plans for the pending pet equity legislation. Lawmakers have less than two months left to pass most major bills or get them into a conference committee.
