Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 3, 2026 DiDomenico stands up for Anti-Animal-Cruelty Legislation Bill ends commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores, strengthens protections and prohibits breed-based discrimination in public housing and insurance coverage Special to The Advocate A s a proud dog owner and animal lover, On March 19, 2026, Senator Sal DiDomenico voted to pass legislation, along with every one of his Massachusetts Senate colleagues, to end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-pet-shop pipeline by cutting off commercial sales of cats and dogs in Massachusetts pet stores. The bill — nicknamed the PETS Act — would also end harsh, unnecessary testing of animals for nonmedical purposes, boost animal well-being and make responsible pet ownership possible for more people. “There are so many dogs and cats important to me, my family, and my friends, so I know how important it is to protect these beloved pets in all our lives,” said Senator DiDomenico. “It is imperative that we treat animals with the care and humanity that these loving family members deserve, and I am proud to support this bill that will expand protections to animals across our state.” On March 23, the House referred the bill to its committee on Ways & Means. Under the bill, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety, pet shops could display animals from nonprofits for adoption, but forprofit sales — often linked to large commercial breeders known as puppy mills — would be banned. A growing number of states have banned the sale of cats and dogs in licensed retail pet stores. To make pet ownership possible for more Massachusetts residents, the PETS Act would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a uniform pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing. Public housing facilities would be prohibited from discriminating based on a pet’s breed or size. The legislation’s breed acceptance measures go further by prohibiting homeowner insurance companies from factoring a dog’s breed into underwriting, rating or renewal decisions. Sen. DiDomenico and Man’s Best Friend. (Courtesy photo) To promote animal welfare, the bill would prohibit manufacturers from subjecting animals to unnecessary chemical testing for nonmedical research, sparing innocent animals from harsh conditions. It would also extend a state law that protects dogs from cruelty to cover all household pets, ensuring adequate food, water and sanitary conditions. The legislation would also protect livestock and other animals by adding civil penalties to enforce existing anti-cruelty statutes. During debate, Senators also amended the bill to expand the 2022 research animal protection law and apply its provisions to all research facilities that test on dogs and cats, beyond the law’s original focus on higher education facilities. The law requires facilities to assess the health of former animal test subjects and then, if appropriate, make them available for adoption as pets. Director of Advocacy Kara Holmquist of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center stated, “We are grateful to the Senate for passing this landmark bill that protects animals, families, and consumers across the Commonwealth. Through our animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and humane law enforcement work, the MSPCA-Angell sees firsthand the impact that inhumane practices have on the animals we share our lives and spaces with. The PETS Act will help keep more pets in their homes while reducing the number of animals entering shelters and municipal facilities across the state, stop the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline, end the unnecessary use of animals in cosmetic testing, and put in place additional tools to prevent animals from being kept in cruel conditions—all measures that will ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in animal protection.” Director of Advocacy Allison Blanck of the Animal Rescue League of Boston stated, “The PETS Act shows Massachusetts’ continuing commitment to preventing animal cruelty and improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. At the Animal Rescue League of Boston, we believe pets are family and we support policies to remove obstacles to pet friendly housing and strive to keep more pets and people together. Preventing insurance companies from discriminating on the basis of dog breed and appearance will allow pets to stay with their families and out of shelters. ARL is proud to support this act that in addition to helping pet families, will also help animals across Massachusetts by banning the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores, requiring alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods, and allowing animal control and humane law enforcement to intervene before situations reach felony cruelty.”
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