At Marshfield Special Town Meeting, residents approved zoning changes, $2.9 million in free cash spending, and a ban on the sale of certain animals at pet shops.
The socially-distant meeting was held in the Marshfield gymnasium, with 161 voters present.
Article 1 was approved, which bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops. Selectman Steve Darcy said this ensures that animals are adopted from a responsible source. Article 2 was approved, requiring that people with four or more dogs obtain a kennel license.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with tonight’s outcome, both articles passed overwhelmingly. Most of the folks who got up to speak on the articles were speaking in support, so we’re really happy,” said Darcy. “We’re taking some good steps forward, and we’re hoping that we can be a model for our neighboring communities to follow suit.”
Darcy said that 360 towns across the country have adopted a similar ban, Marshfield would be the sixth town in Massachusetts. He said that animals that come from puppy mills are often bred in adverse conditions, with little regard for health.
Voters approved nearly $3 million dollars from free cash for projects in town. That includes $450,000 for sidewalks and road repair in the Marshfield Hills section of town.
An amount of $500,000 will go to the School General Operating Fund, and an additional $450,000 will go towards a matching federal grant for school resource officers. Voters approved Article 9, which replaces air conditioning units at the Furnace Brook Middle School using $250,000 from the town’s Solar Array Fund.
Zoning changes were approved allowing for rental bay facilities and saw mills. Article 3 dealing with breeding licenses was withdrawn, as was Article 17 for sidewalks, which was approved in Article 7.
The Special Town Meeting concluded in one night.
