Massachusetts Local Ordinances

Current Legislation

• Bill – 2023001 – BOSTON, MA CITY COUNCIL

  Summary:

  Amends Chapter XVI (Prohibitions, Penalties & Permits), Section 16-1.9G (Sale of Animals), Subsection 16-1.9G.2 (Prohibition) of the City Code of Boston, MA to include guinea pigs in the existing prohibition on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by city pet stores.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  BOSTON, MA CITY COUNCIL

  Bill Action:

  ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY W/AMEND BY CITY COUNCIL ON 12/6/23 – EFFECTIVE ON 3/4/24

• Bill – 2023002 – BRAINTREE, MA CITY COUNCIL (ORDINANCE & RULES COMMITTEE)

  Summary:

  Proposed “Humane Pet Store Ordinance” would amend Title 6 (Animals) of Braintree, MA Code by adding a new section to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits in town pet shops.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  BRAINTREE, MA CITY COUNCIL (ORDINANCE & RULES COMMITTEE)

  Bill Action:

  INTRODUCED AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON 3/21/23 – AMENDED TO STRIKE GUINEA PIGS AND HEARD IN COMMITTEE ON 11/1/23 – TABLED TO FUTURE MEETING DATE TBD

• Bill – 2023003 – NORTH ANDOVER, MA SELECT BOARD

  Summary:

  Ordinance amends Part II (General Legislation), Chapter 60 (Animal Control) of the Bylaws of North Andover, MA by adding a new Section 60-9 (Humane Pet Store Ordinance) to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs in town pet shops.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  NORTH ANDOVER, MA SELECT BOARD

  Bill Action:

  ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY BY TOWN SELECT BOARD AT ANNUAL MEETING ON 5/16/23 – EFFECTIVE UPON APPROVAL BY MA ATTY. GENERAL

• Bill – 2023004 – BROOKLINE, MA SELECT BOARD

  Summary:

  Proposed ordinance would amend Part VIII (Public Health & Safety) of Brookline, MA General By-Laws by adding a new Article 8.XX (Humane Pet Shops) prohibit the sale of mammals and birds by city pet shops.

  Status:

  Bill Location:

  BROOKLINE, MA SELECT BOARD

  Bill Action:

  ADOPTED W/AMEND BY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (13-1-8 VOTE) ON 10/26/23