Rep. Howitt appointed to animal welfare bill conference committee

Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) has been appointed to serve on a six-member conference committee charged with negotiating and finalizing the details of a comprehensive animal welfare bill.

House Bill 5581, An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety, also known as the PETS Act, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 151-1 on July 15. The bill is a redrafted version of Senate Bill 3028, which was passed by the Senate on a unanimous 38-0 vote on March 19. The conference committee will now work to resolve the differences between the two bills and produce a compromise proposal that will be sent to Governor Maura Healey for her review and signature.

Both the House and Senate bills contain provisions limiting animal testing, particularly if non-animal testing alternatives exist, and promoting the adoption of research animals. The bill would also establish uniform pet ownership standards in state-aided public housing, which would prohibit discrimination based on a pet’s breed, size or appearance.

The House PETS Act strengthens the state’s existing animal protection laws by allowing local district courts to review complaints of animal cruelty and neglect and to order an appropriate remedy, including seizing the animal from its owner. It also holds rideshare drivers accountable for not accommodating passengers who rely on a service animal by establishing fines for violations.

Representative Howitt is the Ranking Minority Member of the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling and the Joint Committee on Financial Services and also serves on the House Committee on Ethics and the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery.