Chelmsford resident and pet owner Mary Donovan (left) and state councilor Rodney Elliott look over a map of hundreds of grave plots at Pets Haven in Tyngsborough. The remains of many of Donovan's pets over the years are buried here. Elliott introduced a bill on Donovan's behalf that would legally protect the state's pet cemeteries and require them to be properly maintained and undeveloped. (Office of Congressman Rodney Elliott)
LOWELL — One of the most difficult things a person can go through in life is saying goodbye to a beloved pet. For many, our furry friends are like real family members, and at the end of their often-too-short lives, it's great that their remains are buried and respected just like humans. It's not uncommon.
Cemeteries for pets are located throughout Massachusetts, but in recent years residents have taken issue with the fact that some pet cemeteries do not appear to receive the same care and maintenance as typical human cemeteries. doing. To address this issue, state Rep. Rodney Elliott introduced a bill last month that would require states to formally recognize and protect pet cemeteries across the Commonwealth.
The Preservation of Existing Pet Cemeteries Act was introduced to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Agriculture on January 12, and the committee is currently accepting written testimony on the bill. This bill would prevent the construction and development of pet cemeteries to preserve the final resting places of many beloved local animals.
“Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, and the places where they are buried deserve the same level of respect and protection as any other monument. “We will ensure that pet cemeteries are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Elliott said in a Jan. 17 statement.
Elliott told the Sun that pet cemeteries are needed to protect and preserve pets because it is illegal in many Massachusetts communities to bury them on private property. He introduced the bill on behalf of Mary Donovan, 88, of Chelmsford. She buried her six dogs and two cats at Pet's Haven in Tyngsboro, where they are buried like humans in a coffin with blankets and favorite toys.
In 2022, Donovan detailed to The Sun how the pet cemetery's new owners had neglected to maintain the grounds and a new building was being constructed next door. The grass has since been cut, but Donovan said on Feb. 2 that he no longer feels comfortable burying his pet in the cemetery.
“I had three dogs that passed away and I had to have them cremated because I didn't feel like I could do it anymore,” Donovan said.
She still has the remains, but is looking for somewhere else to bury them. In 2022, Donovan said she doesn't know if she and her husband, John, will get another pet because of their age, but she recently announced that she's getting a Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix. She said she protected “Kenny” from Lowell.
Elliott's proposed bill would require owners of properties used as pet cemeteries to file a dedication with the Registry of Deeds that would restrict the use of the property to that purpose only. Property owners are also required to keep up-to-date records of all grave plots and who purchased them.
“If someone is going to pay for permanent care to protect and preserve their pet, I think there should be a state law to ensure that that actually happens,” Elliott said. Stated.
The bill so far is co-sponsored by state Rep. James Arciero and state Rep. Colleen Ghaly.
