BOSTON (WWLP) – A Longmeadow dog inspired a new law in Massachusetts.
The governor held a ceremonial bill signing for Ollie’s Law on Thursday–legislation that protects pets at doggy daycare facilities.
This law is named in honor of a Longmeadow dog, a labradoodle puppy named Ollie, who was attacked at daycare and died from his injuries. The new legislation creates a mandatory dog-to-staff ratio, puts in place safety and emergency protocols, and requires documentation of any injuries that occur on daycare property.
Several western Massachusetts lawmakers were deeply involved with this bill, including Senator Oliveira, who represents Ollie’s hometown of Longmeadow. “When you leave your pet at a doggy daycare or any daycare facility, you want to ensure that there are certain standards that these facilities are meeting, and this is what this bill ensures,” Oliveira told 22News.
Ollie’s owner says that advocating for his law has brought meaning to his death. “The fact that other animals will be protected in his name is, I think, just the best thing that could’ve come from this tragedy,” said Amy Baxter, Ollie’s owner. “If this bill is just a small step in this never happening again, we will have done a good job.”