OP-ED: ‘Puppy mill’ bill bad for responsible pet shops

Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would ban the retail sale of pets. John Mellace, owner of Pet Express in Braintree and Saugus, published an op-ed in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, arguing the measure would shutter responsible, family-owned stores like his that have spent over 20 years connecting residents with puppies from vetted breeders.

“My siblings and I built this business around doing things right. We follow every rule, work with responsible, licensed breeders, and stand behind every pet that leaves our store,” writes Mellace. “To ban retail pet sales would be throwing pets – and Massachusetts families – to the wolves.”

Read the full op-ed in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette here.