H 1345 Limits the Effect of Certain Animal Protection Laws [2006]

Bill Description: This bill would change existing state law to allow only the state agriculture inspectors to inspect pet shops for violations of law. The effect of this law, if passed, would be to limit protections for birds, mammals, and reptiles that are sold within the state or that are imported or exported from the state.
[teaserbreak] The bill is regressive. It defies logic to limit these inspections exclusively to agriculture inspectors, who already are overburdened. Existing law allows other professionals — including animal control agents and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) officers — to assist in ensuring that pet shops comply with state laws. If passed, this bill actually would encourage animal suffering and the proliferation of puppy, kitten, and bird mills.