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09
Mar

Ollie’s Law Coalition to Rally on State House Steps

Coalition urges Legislature to take action on regulating Massachusetts boarding facilities


BOSTON, MA – On Thursday, March 10, the “Ollie’s Law Coalition” will rally on the steps of the Massachusetts State House, asking legislators to step up and help protect pets throughout the Commonwealth while in the care of a boarding facility.

Currently there are no state regulations for these types of facilities, and during the rally, a number of Massachusetts residents will speak of their experiences, and how uniform regulations may have prevented the pain and suffering their animals endured while being boarded.

We invite and encourage members of the media to attend to help shed light on this issue impacting thousands of Massachusetts pet owners.

Media Availability

When: Thursday, March 10 @ 10 a.m.

Where: Massachusetts State House Front Steps, near the Hooker entrance

Interview Opportunities: Ollie’s Law Coalition members, animal owners

Proposed legislation would establish standards regarding animal health and employee safety, allowing pet families to choose the best facility to suit their animal’s needs.

The coalition consists of a number of organizations including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), Dakin Humane Society, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Boston Dog Lawyers, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, JM Pet Resort, among others.

This call for action was born out of tragedy. In 2020, Amy Baxter brought her Labradoodle Ollie to a Western Massachusetts doggie daycare facility, only to receive a text shortly after saying Ollie had been attacked by other dogs. He was severely injured, and sadly died of his injuries two months later.

While the facility was shuttered by town officials, Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedy’s like this never happen again.

March 10 marks what would have been Ollie’s 2nd birthday.

ABOUT THE OLLIE’S LAW COALITION:

The Coalition was formed in 2020 to advocate for comprehensive, impactful regulation of the pet daycare and boarding kennel industry following the death of Ollie, a seven-month-old labradoodle puppy who was mauled at a dog daycare. Comprised of victims’ families, veterinarians, dog trainers, leading animal welfare organizations, animal rights attorneys, and kennel owners, the Coalition is a wide-ranging group dedicated to improving the standards and safety of pet care facilities across the Commonwealth. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ollieslawma/.

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