HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2679        FILED ON: 1/14/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3704

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act relative to the regulation of animal shelters..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

To Amend Chapter 129 of the General Laws by inserting the following:

Section 39E: Animal Shelters and Rescue (rehoming) Organizations

SECTION 1.  Definitions:

“Shelter” – Any 501 (c)3 organization or other IRS not for profit status organization that finds homes for unowned animals.

“Rescue Organization” – A 501 (c)3 organization or other IRS not for profit status organization other than a shelter as defined in this act  that arranges for transfer of unowned dogs and cats to temporary or permanent homes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“Department” – Department of Agricultural Resources

SECTION 2: The Department  may promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of shelter  and rescue organizations operating or conducting business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts   regarding the transfer of ownership of domestic animals, including but not limited to their importation, transportation, housing and medical treatment.