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7 Warning Signs of Potential Animal Cruelty

Subtle indications that may indicate an animal is at risk

While most of us recognize that punching, kicking, burning, choking, or hitting an animal with an object are acts of animal cruelty, there are also several more subtle warning signs of animal cruelty to watch for that could indicate mistreatment, neglect, or abuse:

    1. Howling or barking for a sustained period of time or hearing an animal cry in pain with higher pitched, more persistent vocal sounds than usual.
    2. Singed, matted, chronically or excessively dirty hair or fur.
    3. Wounds, unusual scars, hair loss, frequent limping often on different legs, or signs of improper nutrition such as weight loss or prominent visible ribs.
    4. Animals kept caged or tied with little room to move for long periods of time or without regular interaction with people
    5. Lack of protection from the weather or fece- or debris-strewn living areas for animals.
    6. Collars, leashes, or halters so tight they visibly dig into the animal’s face or neck.
    7. A large number of animals coming or going from a property.

If you know or suspect animal cruelty, report concerns to your local authorities.  Learn more about how you can prevent animal cruelty at arlboston.org/take-action

Turtle’s Story: From Bait Dog to Therapy Dog and Lobbyist

National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month Starts Today

Turtle in the place where she was discovered.

Turtle in the place where she was discovered.

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and we’d like to share with you the story of a dog who exemplifies how much reporting concerns of animal abuse, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect to local authorities truly impacts the lives of animals in our communities.

Learn about the different types of “blood sports” and what you can do to help stop them.

On the night of December 14, 2009, the Animal Rescue League of Boston responded to a call about an injured dog in Hyde Park. Had someone not called, “Turtle” probably would not have made it through the night.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) found an emaciated and gravely wounded female pitbull-type dog – who we named Turtle because she was discovered near Turtle Pond Parkway – lying curled up and motionless in the cold. She was extremely weak and covered with scars and open sores.

ARL’s Field Services team immediately determined that Turtle’s injuries were consistent with her being used as a “bait dog” to train fighting dogs. Bait dogs are commonly discarded after a life of cruel and inhumane treatment, and she had obviously been left for dead.

Turtle at Tufts

Turtle at Tufts

Turtle was transported to Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatments & Specialties where veterinarians were able to stabilize her condition. She successfully underwent surgery to close numerous bite wounds and she received treatment for broken teeth, intestinal parasites, fleas and nutritional deficiencies. Once she recovered from her surgery she faced a long and arduous period of physical and behavioral rehabilitation at the ARL.

After months spent in the care of the ARL’s foster program, Turtle became a completely different dog. She was soon after adopted by her attending veterinarian from the evening she was found, Dr. April Paul. from Tufts who helped save her life.

Today, Turtle lives a happy, healthy life, spending much of her time visiting schools and hospitals as a therapy dog and lobbying for animals and encouraging people to give a voice to victims of animal cruelty at the Massachusetts State House.

Turtle after her recovery, bringing joy to children.

Turtle after her recovery, bringing joy to children.

3 Signs a Dog May Be Being Used for Dog Fighting

  1. Dogs kept on short heavy chains or tethered to makeshift dog houses
  2. Several crates, tethering devices, and specialized aerobic training equipment such as treadmills kept in basements and sheds
  3. Dogs with lots of scaring around the face, neck, front legs and chest

Learn more about how you can give a voice to the victims of animal cruelty: arlboston.org/take-action

Invest in Animals This Tax Season

Donate on Line 32f of Your Massachusetts Tax Form!

If you need something to look forward to this tax season, consider this: cat and dog together with text

By donating on line 32f of your Massachusetts tax form, you are making a difference in the lives of animals in our state.

Your donation to the Massachusetts Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund will help the state’s most vulnerable animals: those who are homeless and those who are owned by families unable to afford to spay/neuter their pets.

Created by Chapter 193 of the Acts of 2012, the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund will help animals by reducing the number of homeless cats and dogs and will provide training to animal control officers.

NEWS: 199 Animals Taken from Lynnfield Hoarding House

ARL helping rescued animals recover from neglect and find new homes

At the end of February, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) partnered with MSPCA-Angell to remove 199 animals from a home in Lynnfield, Massachusetts.

In one of the largest hoarding situations the ARL has responded to in recent years, a wide range of species including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles lived in unsanitary conditions, stacked in cages and crates in different areas of the home.  All of the animals were voluntarily surrendered to the ARL and MSPCA-Angell.

After the ARL’s Rescue Services team removed animals from the home, the team brought 60 to our Boston shelter for emergency medical care.  According to Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL, many of the animals had serious health issues resulting from neglect.

“When people suffer from the complex psychological conditions that lead to animal hoarding, they become overwhelmed with caring for all the animals they accumulate,” explains Dr. Smith-Blackmore.

“In hoarding situations, both the owner and the animals need help.  If you see something that suggests an animal hoarding situation, say something to your local authorities.”

Working together, our veterinary and shelter staff mobilized a temporary isolation area for the cats requiring long-term medical treatment and found places for them at the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats in Lunenburg, where they will continue to receive rehabilitative care.  The ARL also asked Jabberwock Reptiles in Winchester, for assistance taking in the reptiles recovered from the home, including sickly blue-tongued skinks and snakes.

The 6 dogs and 13 birds remaining at the ARL’s shelters continue to make progress in their recovery.  Broadway Dog Spa in South Boston generously donated grooming services and the Boston shelter has already begun to identify potential adopters for the shy, but very sweet dogs.

All three of our shelters have taken in the birds.  Staff members are getting to know their unique personalities, while providing proper nutrition and care.

If you would like to help these animals and others like them recover from neglect, click the green button below to make a donation.

Donate Now

 

03-6 Lynnfield Rescue Danielle & Dog

Danielle Genter, senior rescue technician at the ARL, comforts one of the dogs removed from a hoarding situation in Lynnfield, MA, at the end of February.

03-6 Lynnfield Rescue Dog Front

The coats of the dogs were so overgrown that most of them could barely see.

03-6 Lynnfield Rescue Dog Back

It appears that this dog, removed from the Lynnfield home, was living in very unsanitary conditions. His coat was filthy.

 

 

UPDATE: Animals Rescued from Unlicensed Traveling Petting Zoo

Animals Rescued on 2/7 in Ludlow Getting Ready to Go Home

Monica

Monica, available for adoption!

We have an exciting update on the animals taken in by the Animal Rescue League of Boston on February 7 from an unlicensed traveling petting zoo in Ludlow, Massachusetts!

Read the details of the Ludlow rescue.

In their prior circumstances, the animals did not have adequate shelter and their previous owner has been charged with 36 alleged counts of animal cruelty.  The ARL’s rescue services team assisted the MSPCA in providing emergency transport and care for 12 of the 35 animals involved in this case.

Since arriving at the barn at our Dedham shelter, the Ludlow 12 – including standard donkeys, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, and Shetland ponies – received medical attention, proper nutrition, and a visit from the farrier, a specialist in equine hoof care.

All have made terrific progress in their recovery.  Those with overgrown hooves learned to walk properly again and all began going out into the livestock paddock on sunny days.

Thanks to special TLC from shelter staff, the personalities of these gentle creatures started to shine through as they relaxed in their new environment.  With their friendly and cuddly ways, the standard donkeys, FORREST (pictured below) and JENNY, in particular have endeared themselves to all their visitors!

Late last month, their previous owner officially surrendered them to the Animal Rescue League of Boston and potential adopters began asking about them almost immediately.

Ross, available for adoption!

Ross, available for adoption!

If you would like to contribute to the costs of medical care and food for these animals and others like them, please click the button below to make a contribution today!

DONATE NOW

03-3-14 Forrest

Forrest loves posing for the camera!

BREAKING NEWS: 35 Animals Rescued from Unlicensed Traveling Petting Zoo

ARL & MSPCA-Angell Combine Efforts to Rescue Cold, Sickly Animals

02-10-14 Ludlow Rescue PonyOn Friday, February 7, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA-Angell joined forces to rescue 35 cold and emaciated animals from an unlicensed traveling petting zoo in Ludlow, Massachusetts.

According to the MSPCA, the majority of animals were underwieght.

The ARL’s Rescue Services team brought 12 of the rescued animals, including mini-donkeys, donkeys, ponies, sheep, and goats, to the organization’s Dedham Shelter for immediate care. The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department transported the more severely emaciated and sickly animals including pigs and alpacas to the organization’s Nevins Farm facility.

Today, the MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department charged the animal’s owner Dean Manual of Ludlow with multiple counts of animal cruelty. Manual, 43, faces up to 36 counts of animal cruelty with additional pending charges for assaulting a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

02-10-14 Ludlow Rescue Mini Donkey

According staff at the Dedham shelter, the Ludlow 12 are settling in, though they have a long road to recovery ahead.  Some may require extensive and costly veterinary exams.

Help these animals and others like them as they recover from cruel living conditions. Click the button below to make a contribution today!

DONATE NOW

02-10-14 Ludlow Rescue Goat & Brian

Your donations are GREATLY appreciated. 

Your Winter Pet Health Questions, Answered

Dr. Schettino’s Answers to Pet Health Questions from ARL’s Twitter Chat

01-11-14 Dr SchettinoThank you to all who participated in and submitted questions to ARL’s Twitter chat with the ARL’s President & CEO, Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA.

Introduction: @ARLBostonRescue: Hi everyone. Our Winter #PetHealth Twitter chat starts NOW! #ARLAskaVet

Q:@pawspluspals: @ARLBostonRescue #ARLAskaVet Should dogs always wear doggie boots/booties when they go walking on snow/ice?
A: Dr.Schettino: Doggie boots help protect your companion’s pads from salt and ice so depending on location they can be helpful. #ARLAskaVet
A: however, some dogs may not like them #ARLAskaVet

Q: @ubergirl4: My cats shed a lot during the winter and get indigestion from hairballs. What should I give them to help?” #ARLAskaVet
A: You should give them love and affection by grooming them on a regular basis. This will help reduce shedding! #ARLAskaVet 

Q: @Dobrska: How do I remove sap from my pet’s fur? #ARLAskaVet
A: The best way to remove sap is to use some type of cooking oil (Olive oil ..) and gently rub into the sap. #ARLAskaVet
A: ‏Once the sap is lose you then can use a liquid dishwashing detergent to wash out the oil. Problem solved!! #ARLAskaVet

Q: Do dogs need flea/tick treatment in the winter if they rarely interact with other dogs?A: Yes! Fleas can live inside during the winter months. Year round protection is very important. #ARLAskaVet
A: And depending on the temperature outside and your location … ticks can still be a nuisance during the winter months. #ARLAskaVet
Q: @MRegan102205: #arlaskavet – If someone has an indoor/outdoor cat, when is it too cold for the cat to remain outside?” 
A: When the temperature starts to dip below freezing you need to be very careful with outdoor pets. #ARLAskaVet
A: You need to keep a careful eye on your cat when they are outside. They will let you know when it is too cold. #ARLAskaVet
A: If it is too cold for you … your cat is probably cold as well! Be very careful and monitor your cat carefully. #ARLAskaVet

Q: What is the longest a pet should be outside when the temperature is below 32F? #ARLAskaVet 
A: Some pets love the cold weather and can spend hours outside in the snow and cold. However, you need to keep a watchful eye #ARLAskaVet
A: on your pet and when they show signs of cold: holding up their paws, shivering and becoming less active #ARLAskaVet


Q: ‏@BostonDailyNews: Can animals get frostbite? #ARLAskaVet #Boston cc:@ARLDrS
A: Yes! Usually on their paw pads, the tip of the tail and the margins of the ears. #ARLAskaVet #Boston

Q: Cats seem to eat plants frequently during the winter. Why and is this a cause for concern? #ARLAskaVet #Boston cc:@ARLDrS
A: You are either home more often or you have moved your plants inside for the winter months. #ARLAskaVet #Boston
A: It is vital that you are familiar with what type of houseplants you have and their degree of toxicity! #ARLAskaVet #Boston

Q: @AlyssaKane: @ARLBostonRescue @ARLDrS Should I vaccinate my dog for lepto and canine flu? I’m not sure if I should be worried about these illnesses #ARLAskaVet
A: It all depends on the lifestyle of your dog. You should have this conversation with your local veterinarian.

Q: @CamillaRFox: @ARLBostonRescue @ARLDrS #ARLAskaVet Any winter exercise tips for large dog whose arthritis lets him swim, but little else?
A: You can find a canine physical therapist who generally have underwater treadmills that you can use.

Q: @norwoodsworld:@ARLBostonRescue @ARLDrS what’s the difference between kennel cough and canine flu? #ARLAskaVet
A: Great tweet! They both have similar symptoms but are very different – canine flu generally contd #ARLAskaVet
A: … is more severe. You should speak with your regular veterinarian regarding risks of each. #ARLAskaVet
Q: When should a dog wear a coat? #ARLAskaVet
A: It all depends on the dog. If you feel your dog is uncomfortable in the cold, feel free to try a warm winter coat.
A: Generally dogs lose heat through their paws, ears and respiratory tract.
Winter Playtime Tips for You and Your Dog

Protect Your Pup from the Winter Weather

Winter is upon us and with it comes snow and freezing weather.  Just as people need to keep active, healthy, and—of course—warm in during these colder months, dogs need extra help as well.

To protect your pup in winter weather….

Keep your dog on leash in the snow and ice.  Dogs can easily lose their scent in the snow, so never let your dog off-leash during a snowstorm, or when there’s ice or snow on the ground.  If you’re walking near “frozen” ponds, lakes, or streams, remember ice is not always uniformly thick or stable, and your pup could fall through into frigid water if he or she is allowed to explore off-leash.

Wipe your dog’s paws AND stomach when he’s been outside in the snow or sleet. Sidewalks are often treated with rock salt, antifreeze, and other dangerous chemicals. Not only are these bad for your pet’s paws, but if ingested these chemicals are often poisonous. Make sure your pet does not lick his paws or stomach before you’ve wiped them down.

Prepare your pup for the elements. If your dog typically has a longer coat, let it grow for the winter. A longer coat provides more warmth and protection from colder temperatures. If your dog has a short coat, make sure to get him a coat or a sweater.  Just like you, he’ll enjoy the outdoors much more if he isn’t shivering.

Don’t leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. Many dogs love a car ride to their favorite park or play area, just remember the warm temperatures inside your vehicle don’t stick around for very long once the engine is off.  As the thermometer plummets, your car can act like a refrigerator and your dog can freeze to death.

Pay attention to protein.  If your dog spends a lot of time outside, playing, running, or going for long walks, make sure he’s getting enough protein. Among other benefits, protein helps maintain a healthy coat.  And a coat in excellent condition will keep him nice and warm while he frolics in the snow!

While it’s not always easy to get excited about going outside in the freezing cold, nothing beats the winter blues like watching your dog plow through the fluffy stuff.   If your dog likes to play in the snow, go ahead and join him!

There’s probably nothing that he’d like better than to have his best friend (that’s you) play fetch in the snow or just run around with him—it’s great exercise and bonding for you both.

12-31 Wintertime Snow Play Tips_Photo

Photo: The Ski Channel

For more helpful tips about dog and cat health and behavior, visit arlboston.org/helpfultips

Rikki’s Story: Unique Dog Finds Best Friend

Not Every Pet is Perfect, But Every Pet Deserves the Perfect Home!

Several months ago, a little dog named Rikki arrived at our Dedham Adoption Center.  Though she had a deformity in her front legs, she certainly didn’t act like she did.  She moved and played, and was especially sweet.

And that’s what the family that adopted Rikki saw—an affectionate and playful pup who just thought she was like every other dog.

Here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston we treat every animal as an individual and we believe that every pet deserves a chance to experience love and human companionship. This video of Rikki and her person, Katherine, will inspire you – we can all learn something from this wise little girl!

Share this video with your friends, family, and all of your social networks.  Let’s make it go viral! It’s beautifully done and, above all else, a wonderfully happy story!

Please make a donation today to help animals like Rikki find the perfect match all year long.

Thank you to local videographers Twin Lens Media for producing this video of Rikki and Katherine.  And thank you t0 Rikki’s family for allowing us to share her story.

Oliver Twist: One “Sweet Baby” Home for Holidays

The once frail puppy now specializes in fetching sticks in the woods

This is what poor little Oliver Twist looked like when our Senior Rescue Technician, Danielle, first brought him in.

This is what poor Oliver Twist looked like when our Rescue Team first brought him in.

One chilly morning in early this past April, Jeff, a driver for FedEx, was making deliveries in Boston when he discovered a beyond-skinny 6 month-old puppy wandering the streets and shivering in the cold. He immediately contacted the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), and our Rescue Services Team went to work to find the dog.

The frail puppy stumbled over to the Rescue Team, he was so weak. His body was severely emaciated—lacking any fat and muscle, his bones jutted through his skin.  He was covered is his own urine and feces and had long overgrown nails.

At the ARL’s Boston adoption center, he received immediate medical attention along with the name, Oliver Twist.  On the Purina body condition scale a score of “9” is considered obese and “1” is extremely lean; Oliver scored less than 1. He was also diagnosed with a bacterial infection.

Over the next few weeks, Oliver’s condition stabilized. He was placed on a progressive re-feeding schedule and soon began to eat on his own. ARL veterinarians checked him daily to ensure that he was gaining the expected amount of weight and treated his infection. He also received lots of love and attention from adoption center staff.

Oliver Twist now getting love at home.

Oliver Twist now getting love at home.

Meanwhile, the ARL’s Center for Animal Protection put out requests for information to identify who severely neglected Oliver.  To date, a suspect has not been found.

With the special care and attention he received, Oliver was ready for a home just a few weeks after his rescue.  Well on his way to recovery, he had become a playful, loving puppy who adored attention from people.

And attention is what he gets from his new family! Grieving the loss of their 13-year-old boxer, Billie Jean Nebesky and her daughter saw Oliver’s story on the news.  They instantly felt a connection: “We knew he needed us and we needed him.”

Today, they happily report Oliver has made himself completely at home and loves to fetch big sticks in the woods.

“If we sit down in a chair, Oliver will immediately join you and cuddle,” smiles his new mom.  “He clearly knows he is part of our family.  He is handsome, smart, friendly and very affectionate. He is just a sweet baby!”

Everyone at the ARL is grateful for the outpouring of donations to assist Oliver Twist as he recovered from severe neglect.  Thanks to you, he is happy, healthy, and home for the holidays!

You can make a donation today to help animals at the ARL find loving homes, just like Oliver Twist did.