SALEM, MA — A bill proposed on Beacon Hill aims to make it easier for owners of certain dog breeds to get housing and housing insurance by preventing landlords and insurance companies from having restrictive policies when it comes to certain sizes and breeds.
The push comes as the country faces an adoption crisis for pets — especially when it comes to larger-breed dogs — and as the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem set a record in June for most dogs placed in one month as they attempt to clear space to add pets from overcrowded shelters across the country.
The bill, which is in line to be heard by the Joint Committee on Housing, would prevent housing providers from discriminating against certain dogs without a specific behavioral incident and would prevent evictions based on owning a dog without written permission for one year after a state of emergency ends.
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It would also allow dogs in hotels during a declared state of emergency.
Homeowner insurers in Massachusetts would be prohibited from canceling, refusing to renew or charging a higher premium based solely on a dog’s breed.
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“Both public and private properties are denying housing to people who have dogs of a certain size or breed,” MSPCA Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist said. “On top of this, insurance companies often deny coverage based on breed, regardless of whether a particular dog has any past history of biting.
“These biases are based on long outdated and disproven stereotypes of certain dog breeds. Dogs, like people, should be judged on the individuals they are, not on these preconceived notions.”
MSPCA Director of Adoptions and Programs Mike Keiley said of the MSPCA’s four shelters, Boston had the lowest number of dog adoptions in June — something he believes is related to these barriers.
“Many potential adopters came in and expressed interest,” he said. “But they weren’t able to complete an adoption because of needless restrictions against bully breeds and large dogs in their apartments.”
The MSPCA and Northeast Animal Shelter said it placed 250 dogs in June — more than in any single month in the MSPCA’s 150-year history — during a push that included waiving the adoption fee for older and larger-breed dogs.
Keiley said 100 dogs were placed from June 12 to June 18 alone, in addition to 155 more cats, farm animals and small pets.
“But it’s going to take more than one incredible month of adoptions to make a significant impact in this crisis,” Keiley said. “The U.S. shelter community is still struggling to adopt out large-breed dogs, causing them to languish in shelters, where they can be at greater risk of euthanasia.”
Those who wish to donate to help the MSPCA save more dogs and care for those in its shelters may do so here.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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