1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

As a concerned pet owner, I have witnessed firsthand the potential risks posed by substandard boarding facilities. Some kennels have endangered the well-being of my own animal companion through negligence or inadequate care standards. The recent legislative action to establish statewide oversight and accountability measures for these businesses could not be more timely or crucial, including H. 4911: An Act relative to animal welfare and DCF regulations - sponsored by Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, H. 4915: An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows - sponsored by Rep. Carole Fiola and State Representative Brad Jones, and H. 4919: An Act relative to Kennel Safety - Ollie's Law - sponsored by State Representative Brian Ashe. Requiring licenses, inspections, injury reporting, and transparent enforcement will safeguard our beloved pets from mistreatment and give owners greater peace of mind when utilizing boarding services. These bills need to be approved by the senate. I applaud the House for prioritizing this issue and taking decisive steps to ensure animals across the Commonwealth receive the protections they deserve.