END BREED RESTRICTIONS FOR RENTERS

The Issue

PLEASE SUPPORT BILLS S.876, H.1559 / S.1022

Massachusetts Bill S.876 resembles California’s legislation of 2022, which bars discrimination against a dog’s breed, size, or weight in lease agreements and insurance policies for families. The same security will be provided for renters in both privately owned rentals and state-funded public housing. Additional protections are given to families with companion animals facing eviction or seeking shelter during a state of emergency. 

These restrictions affect many types of dogs beyond the Pit Bull, including the Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Cane Corso, Siberian Husky, Mastiff, Dalmation, American Bulldog, Great Dane, or any combination of these breeds. Many times, even just the appearance of these breeds can be grounds for rejection amongst landlords and public housing.

With around 36% of the population currently renting, this would be an incredible step to providing some relief for pet owners during these difficult times. It is finally time to END discrimination against our beloved pets and set an example for other states across the country to do the same. 

"Currently, S.876 is being reviewed by the Joint Committee on Housing. It is vital that we make our voices heard that S.876 is important. This bill is an opportunity for Massachusetts to set an example for all states on the East Coast that dogs are a part of our family, and everyone deserves the right to keep their family together" (The National Humane Education Society). 

Please sign this petition to support families and their dogs facing housing issues and economic crisis. During these trying times of uncertainty, I am turning to my local community and state leaders to address this issue that has caused mass heartache and suffering in our communities. 

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

CONTACT JOINT COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

 

327

The Issue

PLEASE SUPPORT BILLS S.876, H.1559 / S.1022

Massachusetts Bill S.876 resembles California’s legislation of 2022, which bars discrimination against a dog’s breed, size, or weight in lease agreements and insurance policies for families. The same security will be provided for renters in both privately owned rentals and state-funded public housing. Additional protections are given to families with companion animals facing eviction or seeking shelter during a state of emergency. 

These restrictions affect many types of dogs beyond the Pit Bull, including the Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Cane Corso, Siberian Husky, Mastiff, Dalmation, American Bulldog, Great Dane, or any combination of these breeds. Many times, even just the appearance of these breeds can be grounds for rejection amongst landlords and public housing.

With around 36% of the population currently renting, this would be an incredible step to providing some relief for pet owners during these difficult times. It is finally time to END discrimination against our beloved pets and set an example for other states across the country to do the same. 

"Currently, S.876 is being reviewed by the Joint Committee on Housing. It is vital that we make our voices heard that S.876 is important. This bill is an opportunity for Massachusetts to set an example for all states on the East Coast that dogs are a part of our family, and everyone deserves the right to keep their family together" (The National Humane Education Society). 

Please sign this petition to support families and their dogs facing housing issues and economic crisis. During these trying times of uncertainty, I am turning to my local community and state leaders to address this issue that has caused mass heartache and suffering in our communities. 

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

CONTACT JOINT COMMITTEE ON HOUSING

 

Support now

327


The Decision Makers

Maura Healey
Massachusetts Governor
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Housing
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Housing

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Petition created on May 8, 2025