The Joint Committee on Municipalities will discuss House Bill 4753, An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets, on Thursday, June 5 from 11-1.

The bill is in direct response to the stated intention of FlexPetz (see our interview with the founder) to open in Massachusetts. FlexPetz is a business that rents dogs—by the hour or day—to people who want the fun of a pet without commitment. FlexPetz calls it "flexible ownership." Please attend the hearing.

If you cannot attend (and after the hearing), please call the Joint Committee on Municipalities members asking them to release House Bill 4753, An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets, quickly with a favorable report:

Chairs: Sen. Anthony Petruccelli, (617) 722-1634; Rep. Vincent Pedone, (617) 722-2090

Sen. Patricia Jehlen, (617) 722-1578
Sen. Steven Baddour, (617) 722-1604
Sen. Susan Fargo, (617) 722-1572
Sen. Richard Tisei, (617) 722-1206
Rep. Martin Walsh, (617) 722-2090
Rep. James O'Day, (617) 722-2014
Rep. Matthew Patrick, (617) 722-2090
Rep. F. Jay Barrows, (617) 722-2488
ep. Todd Smola, (617) 722-2240
Rep. Sean Garballey, (617) 722-2400
Rep. Sarah Peake, (617) 722-2210
Rep. Paul McMurtry (617) 722-2460
Reps. Stephen Canessa, (617) 722-2460 and Denis Guyer, (617) 722-2460 are bill co-sponsors.