Jul 11, 2008 7:18 am US/Eastern
City Councilors Ban Pet Rental Companies In Boston
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
City Councilors have voted to ban pet rental companies from setting up shop in Boston, according to a newspaper report.
The Boston Herald said Mayor Tom Menino is expected to sign the measure.
The ruling came after pet rental company "Flex Petz" announced they wanted to open up a store in Boston.
The company offers short-term rentals of dogs. They have been criticized by animal rights groups who say animals should not be treated like a commodity.
But Flex Petz claims the dogs don't get stressed out by going from home to home. They say that the variety is actually good for them and for owners who might want to "try out" dog ownership before making a decision about buying a pet.
The company told the Herald they were disappointed to learn of the ban and is now worried that a lot of the dogs Flex Petz would have taken in will now end up in shelters.
Flex Petz already operates in New York, Los Angeles and London.
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