THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 9, 2024 Page 5 cently supported a series of animal welfare bills designed to ensure the safety of dogs placed in kennels, prohibit the use of exotic animals in traveling acts, prevent the intentional misrepresentation of service animals, protect animals in foster homes, and require the licensure of veterinary technicians. All fi ve bills were engrossed by the House of Representatives on July 25 with Representative Wong’s support. They will now move to the Senate for its consideration. Representative Wong highlighted the bills that passed the House, which include: House Bill 4919, An Act to increase kennel safety (aka Ollie’s Law) – This bill creates a committee to develop standards for the pet day care industry, including doggy day care centers. In addition to implementing guidelines for insurance coverage, staff-to-dog ratios, and requirements for housing and fi re safety, Ollie’s Law would also require that kennels be inspected at least once a year. The bill is named after a Representative Wong supports series of bills to protect animal welfare and safety WONG | SEE PAGE 17 B OSTON – State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) reseven-month-old Labradoodle puppy who was severely injured by another dog at a doggy day care center in East Longmeadow and succumbed to his injuries two months later. House Bill 4915, An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits – This bill explicitly bans the use of exotic animals in traveling performances venues – including expositions, fairs and carnivals – where they are used to perform tricks, give rides, or otherwise participate as an accompaniment for the entertainment of a live audience. These animals are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including prolonged periods of confi nement and other forms of neglect and abuse, all to provide entertainment. Violations would carry a penalty of $500-$10,000 per animal. House Bill 4915 mirrors legislation that has passed in other states and local bans which several Massachusetts communities have also implemented. House Bill 4917, An Act relative to a commission to study the intentional misrepresentation of a service animal – This bill establishes a special legislative commission to study the use of service animals in the Commonwealth. The study’s scope will include current law governing service animals, the benefi ts they provide to individuals with disabilities, and the prevalence and impact of fraud, misrepresentation and other misuse of service animals. The commission will also explore training and educational opportunities to increase the public’s understanding of laws governing the use of service animals. The commission will fi le a report with its fi ndings, along with any legislative recommendations, by April 1, 2025. House Bill 4911, An Act relative to animal welfare and DCF regulations – This bill would allow employees of the Executive Offi ce of Elder Affairs, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to report animal abuse without having to tie it to an ongoing 51A report. It also would allow DCF to request the records of any pet or animal maintained on the premises of a foster home from a foster parent, including medical and vaccination records, and to consider a potential foster child’s history regarding their behavior 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! www.810bargrille.com SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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