Pet Store Animal Sale Ban

At a glance

What: An ordinance (26-1111) amending Chapter 3, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances to ban the retail sale of exotic birds, fish and other animals in pet stores.
Where it stands: Referred to the Legislative Matters Committee for recommendation on Thursday, June 25, 2026 (an older meeting).
Next: committee hearing.

Councilor Link, with co-sponsors Councilor Hardt, Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Mbah and Councilor Sait, said the ordinance targets "mills" and would not affect adoptions from rescues or direct sales from breeders in non-retail settings.
Bethany DeZolt, Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell, described cruel conditions in profit-driven breeding and said 17 Massachusetts municipalities have passed similar rules requiring pet stores to partner with shelters or rescues. She urged passage.

City Council regular meeting minutes, June 25, 2026: https://somervillema.legistar1.com/somervillema/meetings/2026/6/3962_M_City_Council_26-06-25_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
The minutes are the Legistar versions, which carry the City's notice that they are not the official version; check with the City Clerk before relying on them.

Ordinance introduced and referred to the Legislative Matters Committee.