Would you ever consider renting a pet? FlexPetz, a strange business akin to FlexCar, now offers dogs and cats for rent as short-term pets. But if you find this business immoral and just plain cruel, you're not alone. Thankfully, the Massachusetts Legislature took on the issue and imposed a ban on pet renting that took effect last week. 

The new law imposes a fine of up to $500 on violators and was enacted shortly after FlexPetz announced plans to open a Massachusetts office. 

According to the company's website, they offer pet rentals in New York, L.A., San Francisco, and London at $45 per day with a monthly membership fee of $99. They claim that a pet rental is "a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal and miss spending time with a canine friend."

Those in favor of the ban argue that the service is morally reckless because it treats dogs like inanimate objects or rental equipment. They successfully argued that dogs should be lifelong companions rather short term amusements.

In the end, the State House of Representatives approved the new law on a 157-0 roll call vote while the Senate passed it on a voice vote without a roll call. Hopefully, other states will follow suit.