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ARL Caring for Cats and Kittens Rescued from House Fires

House fire cats and kittens brought to ARL through referral from the American Red Cross

Over the past few weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has stepped up to help families following house fires, providing services from temporary pet housing to pet food and supplies.

The pet owners were referred to ARL through the American Red Cross, a national organization dedicated to helping during times of emergency, to help the families when they had nowhere else to turn for their pets.

Kittens at ARL after being rescued from a house fire.

Following a house fire in Boston last week, ARL took in two cats for temporary shelter while the family picks up the pieces and transitions to new housing.

ARL’s Temporary Pet Housing program is a critical service that keeps pets and people together, and this family who lost their home will be reunited with their beloved animals once situated.

The program gives pet owners peace of mind, knowing their animal is safe and well-cared for, allowing them to focus on finding and settling into a new situation.

 Two weeks earlier, another family lost their home due to fire in Brockton.

Following the disaster, the family was able to turn to ARL to provide two adult cats and kittens with care and new homes through adoption.

ARL further assisted in this time of crisis by providing pet food and supplies to the family’s remaining pets.

 Pets are family, and ARL works diligently with pet owners to find the best solution for both the animals and people involved.

Pet owners who are unable to care for their pets due to unexpected life circumstances, or need help with pet food and supplies, can call (617) 426-9170 or email info@arlboston.org to see if they’re eligible for the ARL’s Temporary Pet Housing program.

ARL Provides Community Kitten with Life-Saving Care

Community kitten suffered from traumatic leg injury

 An 8-month-old community kitten recently received a life-saving surgery at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and while not ready for adoption quite yet, she is well on her way to finding the home and life she deserves.

Community cats comprise of friendly strays, feral cats, or owned cats that are allowed outdoors to roam.

Alice after surgery.

Community cat colonies usual form due to a conducive environment like an established food source or protective shelter.

The kitten, named Alice, was living among a colony of community cats in Fall River, and ARL’s Field Services Department was contacted after the kitten was seen with a significant limp.

Once on-scene, ARL trapped the kitten and transported her to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for an assessment.

Alice’s thorough veterinary exam revealed a previous traumatic injury to her rear leg, causing pain, swelling, and deformation of the limb and joint.

The severity of the injury was beyond repair, and ARL’s veterinary team determined that amputating the leg would give Alice the best chance at a normal, pain-free life.

After surgery, Alice was placed into foster care to fully heal, and will soon be made available for adoption.

With her injury, she likely would not have survived a life living outdoors, as her limited mobility made her more vulnerable to predators and other outside dangers.

Alice is one example of the thousands of community cats and kittens ARL helps annually.

ARL’s Community Cat Program assesses cat colonies throughout Massachusetts, formulating Trap-Neuter-Return plans which includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly.

 In 2024, ARL’s Community Cat Program helped nearly 1,200 community cats and kittens, with nearly 800 of these animals finding new homes.

How You Can Help 

Without proper care, community cats are at serious risk of illness and injury and ARL is the only large animal welfare organization in Massachusetts with a dedicated agent working with community cats and kittens.

ARL’s intake of these animals continues to increase every year, and the organization is currently offering a donation match to help ARL continue this important work.

From now through June 30, 2025, all community cat donations will me matched dollar-for-dollar to help twice the numbers of community cats in need!

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Press Release: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Dogfighting

Sentence adjudicates first-ever federal dogfighting case in District of Massachusetts

The following is a news release distributed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Hanson, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing dogs at his Massachusetts home for participation in a dogfighting venture.

John D. Murphy, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to one year and one day in prison, with the last three months to be served in community confinement, followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and ordered prohibited from possessing pit-bull type dogs. In November 2024, Murphy pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.

View local news coverage on this story.

“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to holding violators accountable. We commend the collaboration between federal and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare,” said Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.

In 2021, Murphy was identified discussing dogfighting on recorded calls with a New York-based dogfighting target. A subsequent search of his Facebook accounts revealed Murphy’s years-long involvement in dogfighting. Murphy communicated with other dogfighters via Facebook where they discussed the results of dogfights, injuries sustained by fighting dogs, as well as breeding dogs. Murphy also belonged to private dogfighting Facebook groups used to share fight results, buy and sell fighting dogs and exchange information on training and conditioning fighting dogs, among other things.

Photos and videos found on Murphy’s Facebook account showed a pit bull-type dog with scarring and discolorations on its head and leg consistent with that of dogfighting as well as a photo of a pit bull-type dog restrained in a breeding stand. Videos from his account showed pit bull-type dogs physically tethered to different treadmill-like devices that dogfighters commonly use to physically condition dogs for dogfights. One of the videos depicted a live raccoon caged in front of the carpet mill, to serve as a stimulus for the pit bull-type dog to run faster and harder.

In June 2023, a search of Murphy’s residence in Hanson revealed that he was keeping nine pit bull-type dogs at his home. Several of the dogs had scarring consistent with being involved in organized dogfighting.

Animal fighting paraphernalia was also found during the search of Murphy’s residence, including:

  • Flirt poles, used to entice a dog to chase a stimulus;
  • Spring poles, used to build a dog’s jaw strength and increase aggression;
  • Several treadmills, slat mills and carpet mills, used to condition dogs to build stamina and muscle;
  • A jenny mill, used to develop a dog’s endurance and musculature by enticing the animal to run on a circular track;
  • Rabbit training scent for dogs;
  • Break sticks, used to force a dog’s bite open, specifically at the termination of a fight or while training;
  • A dog bite sleeve;
  • Disposable skin staplers, used to attempt to close wounds resulting from dogfights;
  • Several types of steroids and painkillers;
  • Fertility medications and a breeding stand, used to restrain female dogs during breeding;
  • Printouts of fighting dog pedigrees; and
  • Dog fighting literature, DVDs and CD-ROMs.

A forensic examination of Murphy’s cell phone revealed significant additional evidence of his involvement in dogfighting. This included multiple dog fighting videos and WhatsApp messages between Murphy and other individuals discussing elements of dog fighting. In one of the messages, Murphy expressed his anger over having animal control called to his property and the 25 years he invested in breeding and conditioning dogs, and asserting that he will “never never never” quit what he is doing with the dogs.

In March 2024, the United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 pit bull-type dogs, seized in June 2023 from Murphy’s residence and another residence in Townsend, Mass., that were possessed for participation in an animal fighting venture. In September and October 2024, the Court ordered the dogs to be forfeited to the United States.

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

U.S. Attorney Foley; ENRD Acting AAG Gustafson; USDA-OIG SAC Parker; Geoffrey D. Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Karen L. LoStracco, Director of the Animal Rescue League of Boston – Law Enforcement Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Marshal’s Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and the Hanson, Boston and Acton Police Departments.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department is comprised of Special Massachusetts State Police Officers who enforce the animal cruelty and neglect laws of the state. In addition to conducting our own investigations, our department works with local, state and federal partners regularly, providing expertise, training and resources for animal cruelty and neglect investigations,” Stated ARL Law Enforcement Director Karen LoStracco. “These partnerships are vital to ensuring the protection of animals through reducing duplicative efforts, eliminating gaps in enforcement and standing together for animal welfare and advocacy. We appreciate the perseverance of the USDA OIG’s office in pursuing dog fighting investigations and charges under the federal Animal Welfare Act and we value the strong working relationship we have established. Dog fighting is an especially brutal and inhumane act and we are grateful to be called upon for our expertise and resources in protecting the welfare and safety of these animals.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office and Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Environmental Crimes Section, prosecuted the case. Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Caitlyn F. Cook of ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section are prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.

Supporter Spotlight: Julie Mackin & Dan Clevenger

Julie Mackin and Dan Clevenger have supported ARL for over 20 years as donors, and, for the past 16 years, as members of the Champions Circle. These two dog lovers have been married for 18 years, and share their home with their beautiful German Shepherd, Izzy.

Both Dan and Julie grew up with dogs, but their passion for German Shepherds came later in life. Before Izzy, they had another female Shepherd named Gretchen, who sadly passed away during the pandemic. Julie says if Dan had it his way, they would have at least two more in addition to their current pup!

Julie and Dan have a selfless nature and a strong desire to make an impact. As passionate animal lovers, they support a variety of local animal welfare and environmental organizations. Local charity is important to them, because they are able to see the impact of their support firsthand.

One of the ARL programs the Julie and Dan are particularly passionate about is the Spay Waggin’®, which provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to animals and people in need. They admire the caring, unbiased, loving support ARL staff is able to offer people who may need a little extra help caring for their animal. The couple is so passionate about the work being done by the Spay Waggin’, that it is usually one of the first things they mention when talking about ARL with others.

They’ve chosen to support ARL with monthly contributions in particular because they find it easier for budgeting and think of it as an investment towards a better world for animals. Ideally, Julie and Dan wish there wasn’t a need for organizations like ARL, and that people and animals would have everything they need to live happy and healthy lives. But until then, they encourage others to invest in the change they want to see in the world by choosing to support organizations doing good work – and monthly giving is an easy way to do that!

Monthly Giving At ARL

The Champions Circle is a special group of 1,110+ dedicated donors who pledge their support with recurring contributions, sort of like a subscription for saving animals!

This reliable generosity provides the critical support needed to give animals food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger, all year long. Join today!

ARL Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center

New Animal Care & Adoption Center to increase ARL’s ability to provide critical services

 On Tuesday,  the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) took a major step forward in the organization’s vision for the future, by breaking ground on its new Animal Care & Adoption Center in Boston, located in the South End neighborhood ARL has called home since 1956.

While a fixture in Boston’s South End for nearly seven decades, the current Animal Care & Adoption Center no longer meets the standard of care our animals deserve and severely limits the organization’s ability to evolve and adapt to the needs of animals and pet owners – not only today, but for decades into the future.

The special groundbreaking ceremony included a number of local and state elected officials, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, as well as those directly involved with making this vision a reality.

The new state-of-the-art, three-story facility will enable ARL to provide animals with the highest standards of care to help them heal and thrive, remain accessible with a central location near public transit, and cement ARL’s role as the leading resource for pets and pet owners within the City of Boston.

The new building will feature: 

  • An Animal Care & Adoption Center
  • Shelter & Community Veterinary Hospital
  • A hub of support services for pet owner services
  • Boston Veterinary Care, ARL’s outpatient veterinary clinic
  • A center for dog training classes
  • Flagship location for ARL’s Humane Education Program
  • Infrastructure for ARL to adapt to the current and future needs of animals and pet owners

Construction of the approximately $48 million facility is slated to begin in late spring 2025, with completion expected in 2026. Importantly, there will be no disruption to ARL’s services during construction, as the existing Animal Care and Adoption Center will remain fully operational.

The exterior design of the new facility, created by Boston-based JGE Architecture + Design (JGE), will seamlessly blend with the South End’s distinctive architecture.

Animal Arts, a Colorado-based firm dedicated to the design of animal care facilities, is the Architect of Record for the project and is working with ARL to ensure that every aspect of this world-class facility aligns with the organization’s mission to be an unwavering champion for animals in need.

As Construction Managers, Commodore Builders is overseeing every phase of the project — from preconstruction planning to on-site execution — to ensure a seamless and efficient build. 

“Our new facility isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol for our commitment to animals and the people who love them,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino. “The new, world-class Animal Care & Adoption Center will provide animals with the highest standards of care for generations.”

“Designing a facility that honors ARL’s deep roots in the South End while supporting its critical mission was a responsibility we embraced wholeheartedly,” said JGE President and Founder Jonathan Garland. “Our goal was to create an exterior that feels both timeless and forward-looking—one that integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood’s historic charm while providing a welcoming, modern space for animals and the people who care for them.”

“The Animal Arts team is excited to see ARL’s dream of a facility that reflects their commitment to animal welfare come to life and we look forward to seeing the new building, and all the services it will house, strengthen ARL’s support for Boston’s animals and their human caretakers,” said Sarah Boman, Principal with Animal Arts. “We are honored to play a role this historic moment for ARL.”

“The work that the Animal Rescue League does in helping animals in need is awe-inspiring, and we are honored to be part of such a special project with them,” said Commodore Builders Project Executive Paul Maneen.

ARL would additionally like to thank all of its internal and external partners including ARL’s Foundation for the Future Steering Committee, The Strategy Group, QPD, the City of Boston, the South End Landmark District Commission, among many others, who helped the organization make this vision a reality.

ARL Takes in 25 Cats in Two Separate Overcrowding Situations

ARL is a resource for overwhelmed pet owners in overcrowding situations

 In the past two weeks, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) has taken in 25 cats through two separate overcrowding situations where the owners were overwhelmed by the number of animals in the home.

One of 25 cats taken in by ARL due to overcrowding.

The cats are will be made available for adoption soon, however, situations like this put a strain on ARL’s resources and the organization is asking the public for assistance to provide the care and support these animals need.

Both instances of overcrowding are due to lack of accessible and/or low-cost spay and neuter services.

Once the cats began reproducing, the numbers quickly spiraled out of control for the owners, who then reached out to ARL for assistance.

ARL worked with the owners to safely corral the cats, and then transported them to ARL’s Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center for medical care.

While it is common to see upper respiratory infections and under-socialization in cats from overcrowding situations, these cats were healthy, well cared for, and the majority of the animals are incredibly friendly and social.

They are receiving vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and will soon be available for adoption.

ARL is prepared to help anyone who has too many animals in the home, as the organization works with the pet owners to find a solution that works best for both the animals and people involved.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, visit our Here to Help page or call (617) 426-9170.

 A sudden large intake of animals strains ARL’s limited resources, as care for these animals is already well into the thousands.

Please consider donating to support ARL and the ongoing care for these cats and animals like them.

March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month!

There’s more than just cats and dogs at ARL

Many people assume that animal care & adoption centers only have cats and dogs, but here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) we have a knowledgeable staff and are able to accommodate a variety of animals including guinea pigs.

And they are just waiting for to find their perfect match!

If you’d like to adopt a guinea pig (or other small animal) from the ARL, make sure to bring a photo of the cage that your new pet will live in to make sure it’s a good size and shape for a guinea pig.

Just like any other pet, guinea pigs require special care and attention. Familiarizing yourself with their daily and long-term needs before adding one to your family is also an important step in the adoption process.

Learn more about guinea pigs

Guinea pigs can make great companions for both first-time or experienced pet owners, however they require a bit of patience and a gentle hand.

Once they are comfortable with you and their new surroundings, their personalities really shine through!

Guinea pig care tips (PDF)

Two guinea pigs eating a piece of lettuce

Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month Fun Fact

Guinea pigs communicate through a variety of behaviors and sounds. These small animals will make a squealing or whistling sound, for example, to communicate anticipation or excitement–usually before they eat! Meanwhile, a deep sounding purr indicates your guinea pig is comfortable and content.

Pair of Puppies Found Tethered to Tree Near ARL Dedham Campus

Incident an example of a pet owner in crisis

 The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently found new homes for a pair of 4-month-old puppies found tethered to a tree near ARL’s Dedham campus – there was no malicious intent but is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis.

ARL acknowledges that many pet owners are facing tremendous challenges – and when people struggle, pets struggle.

Sid and Poppie in Dedham.

The rising cost of pet care, the housing crisis and financial hardship are all having a tremendous impact and are unfortunately causing some pet owners to make difficult decisions, and in some cases, take drastic actions.

The puppies, Sid and Poppie, were discovered on the grounds of the Nobles and Greenough School, right next door to ARL’s Dedham campus on February 12 and were brought to ARL immediately upon being found by Dedham Animal Control.

The Mastiff-type dogs were wearing matching leashes and collars, and are in good condition – their coats are clean, nails are trimmed and they are both healthy.

 “ARL realizes many pet owners are struggling, and we want the public to know that ARL is a resource,” stated Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “Through community-based programs and services and reinvesting in the City of Boston to rebuild our animal care and adoption center, ARL’s goal is make every effort to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters, and when surrender is the only option, to offer a safe, judgement-free environment to help pet owners through this difficult decision.”

 If you are a pet owner in crisis, ARL urges you to contact the organization to learn more about what resources may be available to help keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

If surrender is your only option, ARL understands that while difficult, surrendering an animal in-person not only protects the animal, but allows ARL to gather information to help the pet move quickly through the shelter system.

Learn more about how to properly surrender an animal at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Press Release: Florida Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting

ARL Law Enforcement Department assisted in investigation leading to conviction

The following is a press release distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs

Jose Miguel Carrillo, of Spring Hill, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court filings, Carrillo conspired with others to purchase, acquire, and breed dogs for use in dog fights. Carillo also staged dog fights at his home and traveled to dog fights in Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut.

A June 2023 search warrant was executed at Carrillo’s home and led to the seizure of 10 pit bull-type dogs, most of which were later adopted by new owners, as well as a firearm and ammunition. Carrillo also possessed dog fighting paraphernalia including a bloodstained dog fighting box, a skin stapler, syringes, and injectable veterinary medications.

“To its core, dog fighting is a cruel and criminal exploitation of animals for entertainment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message that the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases.”

“Exploiting and endangering the welfare of animals for personal gain is cruel and abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, justice was served.”

“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare, while also committing other serious offenses in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG).

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the USDA-OIG’s complaint hotline at: usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline  or 1-800-424-9121.

The USDA-OIG; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Pasco County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office and the Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Police Department investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Favorit and Tiffany Fields for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Caitlyn Cook of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section assisted with the transfer of the seized dogs to new owners.

ARL Preparing to Take in Shelter Dogs from Los Angeles Fire Zones

ARL to reduce dog adoption fees this weekend as part of preparation

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is preparing to take in approximately a dozen dogs from Los Angeles animal shelters. This weekend, ARL is reducing all dog adoption fees by $100 to better prepare the organization for the arrival of these special dogs.

This special adoption event will take place through Sunday and apply to dogs of all ages at ARL’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Dedham and Brewster.

The devastation and impact of the fires still burning in Los Angeles is unprecedented, and ARL is proud to be a part of a massive relocation effort to find homes for these animals, which will also create much-needed kennel space in L.A. shelters for animals who have been displaced or injured due to the fires.

ARL is coordinating with our national animal welfare partners to bring these animals to New England. In the next week, the dogs will be flown to Delaware, and ARL’s Transport Waggin’ will make the nearly 1,000-mile round-trip to deliver the dogs safely to the organization’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

The dogs will have to undergo a state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and be medically and behaviorally evaluated before being made available for adoption.

ARL will provide updates once the transport is completed.