There are more than 2 million dogs and cats living in Massachusetts and on Thursday, lawmakers were pushing to pass legislation to better protect them.

Legislators and pet advocates brought their own animals to the State House as they discussed An Act promoting Pet Equity, Treatment and Safety, or the PETS Act.

"It's time for Massachusetts to join eight other states protecting puppies from inhumane commercial sale practices and to help foster adoption, getting them into families safely, very tightly," Senate President Karen Spilka said.

The legislation would also prohibit state-aided public housing facilities from imposing outright bans on pet ownership, or from discriminating based on a pet's breed or size.

"We're going to spare animals from unnecessary chemical testing. And we are creating a pathway for responsible pet ownership and public housing. And it also prohibits insurance companies from factoring a dog's breed into underwriting, rating or renewal decision," Spilka said.

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