LEGISLATION - Bills Propose Sweeping Changes in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed multiple bills aimed at protecting animals, and the bills are now headed to the Massachusetts House.

The first bill extends the ability of law enforcement to rescue animals from vehicles in extreme weather, and allows concerned citizens to use “reasonable means” to rescue animals from hot or cold cars.

This is an issue that comes up in jurisdictions across North America. Animals are often left in hot vehicles during the summer months, with 1,000 reports of animals in hot cars in 2014 in British Columbia. NDP MLA Selena Robinson hopes to pass a bill that echoes some of the concerns addressed in Massachusetts’ new legislation, and would allow bylaw officers to rescue animals from hot cars.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says “Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles.”

The second Massachusetts bill addresses the sale of unhealthy pets by unlicensed or unethical breeders. Veterinarians would have the ability to declare any sick pet “unfit for purchase” and the bill would ensure that buyers could return these pets for a full refund.

Another bill forbids the sale of puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old.

Nova Scotia passed a law last year that also addresses these issues. The law allows SPCA investigators and law enforcement further power to rescue animals in hot cars (but does not extend this power to private citizens), and also ensures that animals being sold are healthy and responsibly bred. Before an animal can be sold, a veterinarian must sign off on its health.

The Massachusetts laws go even further, banning pet stores from selling animals from unlicensed breeders. Pet stores would also be required to post information about each animal, and the breeder that the animal came from.

A third bill passed by the Massachusetts Senate ensures that abandoned animals will be found more quickly. Property owners will be required to check buildings vacated because of foreclosure, eviction, or abandonment.

By Tiffany Sostar

Tiffany is a writer, editor, academic, and animal lover who came late to her appreciation of pets. At 18, a rescue pup named Tasha saved her from a depression and she hasn't looked back. She has worked as the canine behaviour program coordinator for the Calgary Humane Society, and was a dog trainer specializing in working with fearful and reactive dogs for many years. She doesn't have any pets right now, but makes up for it by giving her petsitting clients (and any dogs she comes across on her frequent coffee shop adventures) extra snuggles.

LEGISLATION - Law Prevents Local Governments from Regulating Pet Stores

Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, recently signed a bill that takes away the ability of cities to prevent pet stores from selling commercially bred animals.

Taking effect August 6th, the law immediately voids existing regulations in cities like Phoenix and Tempe where pet stores are only allowed to sell rescue and shelter dogs and cats.

The new legislation does require pet stores to ensure they are obtaining their dogs and cats only from breeders who comply with standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

For many, though, the USDA standards are not good enough.

Tucson councilman Steve Kozachik called the standards “an absolute farce.”

“The USDA is in business to inspect meat in Safeway, not to protect the welfare of dogs in stores,” he said. “The governor needs to understand that by signing this bill he’s embracing ‘puppy mill’ standards that the USDA has admitted in its own documents that they are unable to enforce.”

The new law imposes penalties on pet store owners who do not take steps to ensure that their animals are from breeders that the USDA considers acceptable.

However, a pet store can argue that it conducted a search of USDA inspection reports and did not find violations.

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Improved Value for Clients Through the Petlynx HomeSafe™ program

 Petlynx is pleased to announce an opportunity to provide further value to your clients and partners.

As of May 10, 2016 the cost for a lifetime subscription for the HomeSafe™  registration will be $39.00 (including all taxes). Petlynx has not adjusted their online pricing since the initial launch of the HomeSafe™ program, well over 6 years. All pricing for affiliates and partners will remain the same, though it is being reviewed.  

“We continue to provide the lowest cost, automated registry service, and the only service that houses all animal records with the information owned and maintained by the owner.” Larry Evans, Managing Director, Petlynx. 

HomeSafe™ provides the only online automated recovery system that allows all members of the community to post their own lost and found reports. It facilitates instant sharing of pet information among the general public and organizations in the community and across North America when a pet goes missing.

The value provided by the HomeSafe™ service is even greater when you look at the costs over the lifetime of a pet - it is less than pennies a day, well worth the investment to ensure protection for a pet and peace of mind for your client.  

By offering the lifetime registration you are significantly improving the value for your clients, this in turn improves client retention and elevates the value of your brand in the marketplace; things that every service provider needs to be cognizant of in this day and age.  

Add value to your client service offering, take advantage of current HomeSafe™ industry pricing and provide over $30.00 in savings on to your clients.

Learn more about HomeSafe™

Read more on why HomeSafe™ has become the solution for identification and why microchips have failed.

New retail bylaw requires spay, neuter and socialization

Last week, the District of Maple Ridge, B.C., adopted new bylaw requiring pet stores to spay and neuter all dogs, cats and other animals prior to sale. 

In response to input from the BC SPCA, the bylaw also requires any kitten or puppy for sale in a store that reaches 12 months must be socialized in a home environment and a number of provisions to ensure Maple Ridge pet stores keep good records and educate the public about the pet they are about to purchase.  

According to a news release, the BC SPCA had raised concerns with the District Council regarding the living conditions and sources of animals sold. 

This bylaw is considered a success by both the BC SPCA as well as Maple Ridge residents who wrote to council stating their wishes for legislation to address animal welfare concerns in local pet stores.  

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