Statewide Ban Will Complement Recent Ordinance Unanimously Approved By Boston City Council
The Humane Society of the United States commends the Massachusetts House of Representatives for approving a bill to ban "pet rentals." The HSUS says that while businesses that rent dogs may be well intentioned, they're unlikely to benefit the overall welfare of pets, and may actually do harm to the individual dogs they "rent."
"A dog is a lifetime friend and companion — not a two-hour piece of rental equipment," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United States. "There are better and more fulfilling options for these animals and people who need a doggie fix."
Now, with the session's close on Thursday, The HSUS urges the Senate Ethics and Rules committee to pass it swiftly and send it on for a Senate floor vote.
A similar ordinance was recently passed by the Boston City Council effectively prohibiting the renting of pets in the city. The ordinance was passed unanimously by City Councilors. The move was prompted by news that Flex Petz, the most well-known pet rental company, was planning to expand to Boston.
The pet rental ban bill, H. 5006, was introduced by Rep. Paul K. Frost, (R-Auburn). "I just fear a business like this fosters a concept of disposable pets," said Rep. Frost.
Pets form attachments to their families. Dogs instinctively learn to protect their packs. Frequent and abrupt changes in location, routine, discipline and attention are confusing and are likely to lead to stress-induced behavior problems. Pets are not like cars or furniture. Moving them from person to person, home to home, can induce problems such as anxiety and depression.
The HSUS urges pet lovers unable to make a life-long commitment to a pet to seek better and equally fulfilling options. Animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country seek caring volunteers to spend quality time with the animals available for adoption for play-time, walking and other forms of socialization. People can also provide foster care, in their home, for a pet who needs extra attention while he or she awaits a permanent adoptive family.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
