Massachusetts · 194th Legislature (2025-2026) · Bill
S 651: An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
S 651 is a bill introduced in the Massachusetts Senate on February 27, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: An Act banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops. Primary sponsor: Patrick O'Connor (Republican). It lists 28 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (November 19, 2025): Accompanied a new draft, see S2720.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 651) of Patrick M. O'Connor, Michael O. Moore, Marcus S. Vaughn, Michael D. Brady and other members of the General Court for legislation to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in new pet shops. Environment and Natural Resources.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 21 · Republican 8
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick O'Connor | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | First Plymouth and Norfolk |
| Bruce Ayers | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 1st Norfolk |
| Mike Brady | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Second Plymouth and Norfolk |
| Jo Comerford | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester |
| John Cronin | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Worcester and Middlesex |
| Manny Cruz | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 7th Essex |
| David DeCoste | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 5th Plymouth |
| Bill Driscoll | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol |
| Jamie Eldridge | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Middlesex and Worcester |
| Ryan Fattman | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | Worcester and Hampden |
| Dylan Fernandes | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Plymouth and Barnstable |
| Paul Frost | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 7th Worcester |
| Adam Gómez | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampden |
| Jim Hawkins | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 2nd Bristol |
| Vanna Howard | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | First Middlesex |
| Steven Howitt | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 4th Bristol |
| Pat Jehlen | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Second Middlesex |
| Brad Jones | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 20th Middlesex |
| John Keenan | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Norfolk and Plymouth |
| Robyn Kennedy | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | First Worcester |
| Kathy LaNatra | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 12th Plymouth |
| Paul Mark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire |
| Mike Moore | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Second Worcester |
| Pavel Payano | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | First Essex |
| Angelo Puppolo | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 12th Hampden |
| Adam Scanlon | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 14th Bristol |
| Bruce Tarr | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | First Essex and Middlesex |
| Marcus Vaughn | Co-sponsor | Republican | House | 9th Norfolk |
| John Velis | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | Hampden and Hampshire |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Accompanied a new draft, see S2720
- Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
- House concurred
- Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources