What's Ollie's law?
Ollie's Law: Ensuring Safety for Our Furry Friends
In response to a tragic incident in 2020, where a Labradoodle named Ollie was fatally injured at a doggie daycare, Massachusetts has enacted Ollie's Law to improve the safety and quality of pet care facilities. This law, officially known as An Act to Increase Kennel Safety, was signed by Governor Maura Healey on September 20, 2024.
Key Provisions of Ollie's Law:
- Mandatory Dog-to-Staff Ratios: Ensures that there are enough staff members to properly supervise and care for the dogs.
- Safety and Emergency Protocols: Establishes clear guidelines for handling emergencies and ensuring the safety of all animals in the facility.
- Injury Documentation: Requires facilities to document and report any injuries that occur on the property to the appropriate authorities.
- Vaccinations & Town Licensing: All dogs are required to have a Rabies Certificate on file, as well as proof of their towns municipal license. These tags must be worn at all times while in their daycare/boarding facility.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is responsible for administering Ollie's Law and has appointed an advisory committee to assist in creating the necessary regulations. The committee includes representatives from various stakeholders, including kennel owners, animal control officers, veterinarians, and members of the public.
Why Ollie's Law Matters: Ollie's Law aims to prevent tragedies like Ollie's by ensuring that pet care facilities adhere to high standards of safety and care. By implementing these regulations, pet owners can have peace of mind knowing that their beloved pets are in good hands while they are away.
For more information about Ollie's Law and the latest updates, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website.