Today, Governor Maura Healey, joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, state legislators, and dedicated animal advocates, ceremonially signed H4919, known as Ollie’s Law, aimed at improving the safety of pets in kennels and boarding facilities across Massachusetts. This pivotal legislation marks a significant step forward in animal welfare, establishing robust regulations for pet care facilities.
Ollie’s Law is rooted in a heartbreaking true story. In 2020, Amy Baxter received devastating news that her beloved seven-month-old Labradoodle, Ollie, was severely injured in a dog fight at a daycare facility. Despite receiving urgent medical care, Ollie tragically passed away two months later. His untimely death prompted Amy and a coalition of advocates to push for legislative change to prevent similar tragedies.
Governor Healey expressed her commitment to animal safety, stating, “No pet owner should ever have to endure the pain of learning that their cherished pet has been harmed in a kennel. Ollie’s death was preventable, and I am inspired by the resilience of Amy Baxter and others who have fought tirelessly for this cause. Massachusetts has long prided itself on being a leader in animal protection, and with the signing of Ollie’s Law, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of our furry friends.”
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of oversight in pet care facilities. “For far too long, Massachusetts has lacked essential regulations in animal daycare facilities, resulting in unnecessary suffering for pets. With Ollie’s Law, we are establishing higher standards to ensure that pets receive proper care and return home healthy and happy.”
Amy Baxter, Ollie’s mother, reflected on the long journey to enact this legislation, saying, “Ollie was a beautiful and innocent puppy whose life was tragically cut short. Ollie’s Law is the result of nearly four years of hard work to create meaningful regulations in the kennel industry. Though we continue to mourn Ollie, this law allows his legacy to foster healing and protect other animals.”
The new law enhances animal safety by implementing comprehensive licensing and regulatory requirements for kennels, which previously operated without state oversight. Key provisions include:
Mandatory licensing for all kennels and individual licensing for each dog.
Municipalities will determine limits on the number of animals that can be housed in kennels based on capacity and staffing.
Boarding and training facilities must report all injuries to pets and people to municipal licensing authorities.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will adopt detailed operational and safety regulations with input from an advisory committee.
Statements of Support:
Senate President Karen Spilka remarked, “With the Governor’s signature, we are ensuring that we protect our pets in daycare facilities. Thank you to everyone who collaborated to make this vital legislation a reality.”
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano added, “Massachusetts residents deserve confidence in the safety of their pets while away from home. Ollie’s Law guarantees high standards of care for all animals in our state.”
Senator Mark Montigny emphasized the need for consistent standards across the Commonwealth, stating, “Pets are family, and it’s essential that all businesses caring for them adhere to proper health and safety protocols.”
Representative Brian Ashe expressed gratitude for the collective effort that brought this legislation to fruition, highlighting the importance of safeguarding pets in the community.
Kara Holmquist from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals noted, “Ollie’s Law fills critical gaps in pet safety regulations, ensuring consumers have the information needed to make informed decisions.”
Conclusion: Ollie’s Law represents a significant advancement in the protection of animals in Massachusetts. By establishing stringent safety standards for kennels, the law ensures that no pet owner will have to face the anguish experienced by Amy Baxter and her family. As Massachusetts takes this vital step forward, the legacy of Ollie will help safeguard countless animals in the years to come.
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