DogBoston’s Dog Blog

Ever think activism was for hippies and young college kids with nothing better to do?

Well get over it.  If you oppose Pet Rentals as I do, then you might consider taking a few minutes out of your day to send an email or make a phone call.

Kathy Sabina an animal control officer in Auburn, had forwarded me this alert:

“An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” was filed at on February 21 by Massachusetts State Rep. Paul Frost. It is important legislation with far-reaching implications for protecting dogs and cats. Passing it could be an uphill battle; your involvement is essential.

Because the bill was filed late in the session, it is critical that you act immediately to ensure its quick movement through the legislative pipeline. Otherwise, it may languish indefinitely.

Why is this important? FlexPetz, the business that rents dogs by the hour or day–as though they were cars or DVDs–is on our threshold. Boston is among the markets it has targeted in 2008. Even if it changes plans or doesn’t succeed, knock-off businesses, inspired by its aggressive, national media blitz, will fill the void. We need to deny all of them the opportunity to exploit animals in Massachusetts.

How You Can Help
1. Email Rep. Angelo Scaccia, who chairs the House Committee on Rules,
Rep.AngeloScaccia@Hou.State.MA.US and encourage your friends, family, colleagues to do
the same. Ask that “An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” (H.D. 4864) be moved without delay into the appropriate committee. Do it now, please.

Keep it short–it can be as simple as a variation on: I urge the Committe on Rules to move “An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” (H.D. 4864) into the appropriate committee without delay. We cannot open the door for exploitative pet rental businesses, including FlexPetz, which has targeted Massachusetts in 2008. Such businesses are bad for animals and ultimately bad for the Commonwealth.

You can add a talking point or two (see below) to support your opposition to pet rentals.

Include your name and address, and if you wish, your phone number.

2. Copy your state reps. If you don’t know who they are or how to reach them, go to
www.mass.gov/legis

3. Please also copy Rep.PaulFrost@Hou.State.MA.US He deserves a round of applause for his compassion and vision. And thank Rep.JohnFresolo@Hou.State.MA.US for his co-sponsorship.

4. Check the status of the bill at www.mass.gov/legis; under Current Legislation, click on Search Bill Histories.

5. As soon as the bill has a docket number and committee, email and call committee members and your state reps to urge their support.

6. Attend public hearings; they’ll be announced on mass.gov/legis

7. Encourage local animal welfare organizations and shelters to join in this effort. They have easy access to large constituencies, and numbers matter, particularly for animal protection legislation: Despite the body of scientific evidence that dogs and cats have cognitive and emotional depth, Mass. General Law defines them as mere chattel.

It’s time for the Commonwealth to recognize that animals aren’t “things” for humans to rent and return on whim. And it’s time to send a message to FlexPetz and businesses that would follow in its footsteps: You’re not wanted here.

Rent Cars, Not Pets: Talking Points

FlexPetz is a business that rents dogs—by the hour or day—to people who want the fun of a pet without commitment. FlexPetz calls it “flexible ownership.” But callousness by any name still hurts. If we open the door in Massachusetts, other dog and cat rental businesses will follow.

Why It’s Bad for Pets
- Dogs and cats need stability and consistency. Rental pets are handed off to a succession of people, spending a few hours with one, a day or two with another—subjected to renters’ different personalities, environments, routines and rules, which is confusing and stressful. They spend the rest of their time in animal day care.

- “I see a lot of dogs who have severe behavioral issues resulting from inconsistency. It is nearly impossible for people to be consistent with rented pets,” according to Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jo Jacques, CDBC, CPDT, CPCT.

- Constantly breaking a dog’s bonds with humans is cruel, says Ray McSoley, who founded the Animal Behavior Clinic at Boston’s acclaimed Angell Memorial Veterinary Hospital.

- And it could ruin their chance for a “forever home” when the business is done with them. “These animals will become distrustful of humans. They will withdraw,” says Jo Jacques. If they’re not adopted or it fails as a result? Off to a shelter, but older, more confused—and more likely to be euthanized or spend the rest of their lives in cages.

- Even well-mannered pets are more apt to bite when stressed. And constant change is very stressful, the experts say. What happens to the pet who bites after being passed from renter to renter?

- What about the rental pet who becomes chronically ill? No business can hold inventory
that costs instead of pays. And who will adopt a sick or unbalanced animal?

- Pet rental PR suggests this business model is beneficial for shelter animals. Not so. Obviously, the most rentable pets are the most adoptable. Do you think a rental business will take timid, old or scruffy pets who won’t command its hefty fee? Or friendly, adorable young animals it can readily rent—who otherwise would have had the best chance for adoption? Instead of getting a “forever home,” they become profit centers.

- Renting encourages us to think of all pets—rented, adopted or purchased—as “things” we enjoy till they’re no longer cute, fun or convenient, then return, like DVDs or cars.

- “Disposable pet syndrome” encourages animal abandonment and abuse.

- Pet rentals and dog fighting are on the same continuum: They trade on desensitization of humans, commoditization of animals. One business conditions us to tolerate the other.

Why It’s Bad for Humans
Consumers may not appreciate the risk of injury and litigation to which renting a pet exposes them. If your stressed rental pet sends just you to the ER, you’re lucky. If it’s your child, not so much. And if he bites or otherwise injures a stranger, consider this: Personal injury lawyers cast a wide net. While the rental business may be insured, what homeowner’s policy covers “rental pet attacks”?

Why It’s Bad for Massachusetts
The “disposable pet” mindset pet rental businesses promote may ultimately strain public and private resources. It is akin to the dumbing down of America—except it’s our perception of and responsibility to companion animals that will erode. That can only lead to increased pet abandonment, adoption returns and abuse. And that hurts all of us, including taxpayers who don’t have an affinity for animals.