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BOSTON – On Beacon Hill, it can take decades for a bill to be passed. But just four years after Ollie’s death at a kennel in East Longmeadow, a bill was signed in his name to create regulations in an industry that previously had very little at all.
In 2020, Ollie, a labradoodle puppy was mauled at a doggy daycare in East Longmeadow. He eventually died from his injuries. Since then his family has been pushing for more oversight for these centers.
“It’s remarkable, like the way this," said Amy Baxter. "This beautiful dog resonates with people, you know?"
Baxter was Ollie’s owner. He was 7 months old when he was injured at a now-closed dog kennel. He eventually died from his injuries. She says she immediately got to work trying to find out how this could have happened, and how to ensure it never happens again.
“The only reason I ever started this was with the hope that it wouldn’t happen again," Baxter said. "That it wouldn’t happen to anyone else. I don’t know how realistic that is, but I think that the legislation will go a long way in helping us toward that goal.”
Kennel owners were apart of creating this legislation, like Jeni Mather of JM Pet Resort and Veterinary Clinic. She has supported Ollie’s Law from the beginning and says she made sure it didn’t overstep for small business owners like herself.
“It’s reasonable, but there’s so many checks and balances and there’s so many nuances that the thought that we made it through to the end just feels victorious.”
Gov. Maura Healey signed the bill into law, and had Elsa, a puppy up for adoption, put her paw print on it to ensure the dogs agreed.
There will be about 18 months until regulations like a fire escape plan, and state oversite will start. A committee will work with dog kennels to make sure they are complying.
