How young is too young to sell a kitten or puppy?

A new Massachusetts law bans the sale of kittens and puppies under eight weeks old, as well as the roadside sale of animals.

State House News Service (SHNS) says, "While pet shops and shelters are already blocked from selling young animals, the new law closes a gap and extends to all individuals."

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The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA-Angell) praised the new law signed by Governor Maura Healey on January 8, 2025.

Sen. Patrick O'Connor (R-Weymouth), an early sponsor of the bill, told the Somerville/Medford News Weekly, "Passing this legislation would represent an end to the supply-and-demand relationship between Massachusetts and puppy mills and give these animals a better opportunity at finding a home."

SHNS says, "Separating young animals from their mothers and littermates can lead to health and behavioral problems, including dog biting, which the MSCPA-Angell warns could ultimately turn into a public safety threat."

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The new law prohibits cats and dogs from being sold on "any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park or other recreation area, flea market or other outdoor market or commercial or retail parking lot."

The new state law carries a $50 fine for a first offense, followed by a fine of up to $100 for a second offense.

The new law is the second victory for Massachusetts felines in a week. Healey recently signed a bill sponsored by New Bedford State Sen. Mark Montigny that makes it a crime to declaw a cat.

Montigny called declawing a cat "an abhorrent practice."

READ MORE: Massachusetts Bans Cat Declawing

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