The Boston City Council voted unanimously on December 4th to add guinea pigs to the list of animals that are no longer allowed to be sold in pet shops. We are thankful to the Boston City Council, and particularly sponsor Councilor Liz Breadon, for passing this measure to expand on the city’s humane pet shop ordinance that passed in 2016. Upon signature by the mayor, the revised ordinance will add guinea pigs to the coverage of the law, which already prohibits dogs, cats, and rabbits from being sold in pet stores, and instead encouraging adoption partnerships.
In recent years, local shelters have experienced an increase in the surrender of guinea pigs, as well as those found as strays, resulting in more non-profit and municipal resources being expended. Guinea pigs wait for adoption for twice as long as cats at the MSPCA’s shelters and more than 60% were originally purchased at pet shops. This ordinance is one step to help ensure humane treatment for these often overlooked animals.