Massachusetts Bans Cat Declawing and Puppy Roadside Sales Under New Laws

Big changes are coming to Massachusetts pets this week, and it’s all good news for our four-legged friends. According to WBUR’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa, a set of new animal welfare laws signed by Governor Maura Healey in January officially take effect on Tuesday.

One of the biggest shifts is a full ban on declawing cats, making Massachusetts the fifth state to prohibit the painful practice. Declawing isn’t just a fancy nail trim — it’s a surgical amputation of a cat’s toes, often leading to long-term pain and behavior problems. Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy at the MSPCA, told WBUR’s Cici Yongshi Yu that the new law allows exceptions only for medical needs like infections or tumors. Anyone who violates the law could face fines starting at $1,000.

In another win for animal welfare, the state will now prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens younger than eight weeks old. Holmquist explained that young animals need time with their mothers to develop properly both behaviorally and physically. Sellers caught ignoring this rule will be fined $100 per animal.

Finally, the new laws ban the sale of cats and dogs on roadsides, parking lots, public parks, and flea markets. This measure protects not just animals but also buyers, who often have little legal recourse when something goes wrong with a roadside pet sale. Fines for illegal sales start at $50 for the first offense and climb higher with repeated violations.

Massachusetts’ new rules are a heartening reminder that real progress for animals is possible. If you’re considering bringing a furry friend into your life, Support your local animal shelter instead of buying. Choosing adoption saves lives — and helps end cruelty one happy tail at a time.

Video Source: WWLP-22News/Youtube

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