June 4, 2008

Dogs Are People Too -- Massachusetts considers ban on pet rentals

At Super Cool Pets we are saddened to see pets viewed as commodities. Apparently some strides are being made in this department, where else but in the progressive state of Massachusetts, homebase of our parent Blogpire Productions.

From LA Times, Massachusetts considers a ban on pet rentals:

FlexPetz caused quite a stir last year after opening its dog renting business in New York, Los Angeles and London. Now animal welfare advocates in Boston are trying to stop the company for setting up shop in their state.
A hearing is scheduled Thursday on House Bill 4753, which would prevent commercial entities from leasing dogs or cats by the hour or day in Massachusetts. If passed, the bill would be the first such law in the country.

FlexPetz charges busy urbanites thousands of dollars in yearly fees for the ability to spend time with one of the dogs from their canine fleet of Afghan hounds, Labrador retrievers and Boston terriers....

The company plans to open rental agencies later this year in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Paris. That's got some animal welfare advocates growling.

"FlexPetz sends a contrary message to the public making it socially acceptable to treat dogs as disposal commodities that can be rented for pleasure at their leisure," wrote Bryn Conklin of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to Cervantes in November.

Read article.