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Legislature Advances Bills Backed by ARL

This past week featured a flurry of activity on Beacon Hill, particularly for animal-based legislation, as several ARL priorities advanced.

Nero’s Law

Nero’s Law, filed after the tragic death of Sgt. Sean Gannon and wounding of his K9 partner Nero, was signed into law by the Governor.

Filed by staunch animal advocates Senator Mark Montigny and Representative Steven Xiarhos, this law will insure that police dogs like Nero have access to emergency care and transport.

ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement Joe King, former K9 handler and Major with the Massachusetts State Police, testified in support of this law earlier in the session.

Poaching

With Hawaii joining the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact last year, Massachusetts is now the only state that is not a member.

Unfortunately, this means that Massachusetts is not a part of the network of 49 other states who share violations of hunting violations.

Massachusetts came one step closer to joining when the anti-poaching bill, filed by Representative Lori A. Ehrlich, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and Senator Michael Moore, passed the House on February 9.

The bill is now in front of the Senate, where it has passed in previous sessions.

Joint Rule 10

One of the most important deadlines in the two-year legislative session is called “Joint Rule 10 Day”.

This year, February 2 was the deadline for bills to get initial approval, denial, or other action by committees.

Joint Committees are grouped by topics, and most of ARL’s bills go to committees like Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture; or Judiciary, but bills can go to any committee.

These committees hold hearings and then decide whether bills get favorable reports, adverse reports, or sent to study.

Occasionally committees will group bills together and issue a new draft that is a combination of similar bills.

Many of ARL’s priority issues were given favorable reports: kennel regulations (S.1322), a ban on traveling animal acts (S.2251), regulation of boarding facilities (S.582, H.949).

Earlier in the session, a ban on unnecessary declawing also advanced from committee (S.222).

Several of ARL’s priorities were combined into one bill that would: expand the possession ban on animal ownership for convicted animal abusers, expand civil citation authority to more animals, allow DCF employees to report animal abuse at any point in an investigation, and increase funding to the Homeless Animal Fund (S. 2672).

This year, all of the bills ARL opposed were sent to study.

This is a great win to defend animal protection measures, but there are still efforts to expand hunting and trapping.

Unfortunately, several of ARL’s priority bills were also sent to study.

Efforts to ban the retail sale of pets, end breed discrimination in housing, and increase enforcement of tethering violations will not move forward this session.

Many bills are filed multiple times before passing, making it even more noteworthy when bills are able to move forward.

Thank You!

Advancing bills on Beacon Hill is no small feat, and we couldn’t do it without the help of incredible volunteers.

The session isn’t close to over—there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and help get these bills across the finish line and on the Governor’s desk before the end of session on July 31.

Contact advocacy@arlboston.org with any questions, or for ways to get involved.

 

Cat Rescued from Tree Ready for Adoption

There is no such thing as a routine rescue of a cat stuck in a tree, it’s always a precarious situation, and presents safety concerns for both the humans and animals involved.

In late January, the Animal of Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department was contacted by animal control in Mansfield, MA, to assist with a cat that had been stuck at the very top of a tree for more than 12 hours.

The four-year-old cat, later named Henry, was approximately 30 feet from the ground, and once on scene, ARL’s Field Services agent and Mansfield Animal Control deployed nets around the tree and began to assess the situation – however, Henry didn’t want to wait.

Henry was dangling from a branch, and was also frightened and exhausted. As he was trying to get his footing he lost his balance, and tumbled towards the ground.

The nets did their job, providing a soft landing for the cat, and while frightened, he was able to be safely secured, and was then rushed to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for triage and veterinary care.

ARL’s shelter medicine staff gave Henry a thorough exam, and along with finding a heart murmur, Henry also had a number of abrasions from his experience in the tree.

Henry was overcome with fatigue following his harrowing ordeal, but knew he was in a caring and nurturing environment, and once settled in, he ate heartily and began the healing process.

Ready to Go Home

Thanks to have a quiet place to rest and recuperate, Henry quickly began to showcase his personality.

The handsome cat would welcome anyone who would come and visit, headbutting hands, purring loudly, and curling up in the laps of staff and volunteers.

With his tree ordeal behind him, Henry is now ready to find his perfect match!

To see Henry’s profile, click here.

ARL Field Services

As part of its Community Outreach programs, ARL’s Field Services provides technical (tree climbing and swift/ice water) and non-technical rescues for injured domestic animals – including community cats, livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls).

For more information about ARL’s Field Services click here!

It’s National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month!

Spay and Neutering Pets Promotes Health and Longevity

For all of us, the health and well-being of our beloved family pets is paramount; and the simplest way to reduce nuisance and aggressive behaviors, improve long-term health and longevity, is to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered.

February is National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and here at the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), we field questions about spay and neuter on a daily basis which typically revolve around two issues – cost and understanding the real and long-term benefits for you and your pet.

Affordable Options Exist

Don’t let cost be a barrier, as there are numerous affordable options throughout Massachusetts that are readily available.

Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about your best course of action, but here are a couple of options.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is a mobile veterinary clinic offering high-quality and affordable spay and neuter services. The Spay Waggin’ rotates through the following stops throughout Southeastern Massachusetts: Brockton, Boston, Falmouth, New Bedford, North Dartmouth, Plymouth, Taunton, and Wareham. The Spay Waggin’ has performed over 66,800 spay/neuter surgeries since its inception.

Another place to turn is your local Animal Control Officer. The Massachusetts Animal Fund’s spay and neuter voucher program allows low-income residents receiving state assistance to get their pets this important surgery free of charge. Vouchers can be obtained through your city or town’s Animal Control Officer and are redeemed at participating providers, including ARL’s Spay Waggin’ and Community Surgical Clinic.

By the way, you can help keep this program going by donating on your state tax form on line 33f!

Long-Term Health Benefits

Caring for animals can be expensive, especially when it comes to their health. But consider this – having your pet spayed or neutered can reduce the risk of serious, and costly, health problems later in life.

Neutering male dogs and cats before six months of age prevents testicular cancer and spaying female cats and dogs before their first heat reduces the risk of uterine infections and breast cancer.
Spaying and neutering can also reduce behavioral problems such as marking territory, howling or barking, aggression and wandering.

We all want our pets to live long and healthy lives, and having an animal spayed or neutered actually increases their longevity. According to published reports, neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than unneutered males, and spayed females live 23 percent longer than spayed females.

Healthy Moms, Happy Litters

How about if you have a pet at home with an unwanted or accidental litter of puppies or kittens? No problem, the Animal Rescue League of Boston can help.

Through the Healthy Moms, Happy Litters program, ARL will provide free spay and neuter services and vaccinations for mother/father dogs and cats. Once the procedure is complete, and animals are returned to the owner.

ARL will also waive the surrender fee for the litter of puppies or kittens, who will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and placed up for adoption.

Remember, there are an abundance of resources and help available to those who need it so please consider having your pet spayed or neutered for their happiness, their health, and for your piece of mind.

Community Cat Found Living in Storm Drain Seeking New Home

Community cats are incredibly adept when it comes to finding a warm, safe place to escape the elements.

While Bagel, a 3-year-old now former community cat, had found the comfort and safety of a storm drain in Fall River, it was the compassion of his feeder who took it upon themselves to contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services Department – just days before a historic blizzard descended upon the region.

Bagel upon arrival in Boston.

During his time living in the storm drain, he was constantly monitored and fed by a Good Samaritan while he was roaming a nearby grocery store parking lot. Upon arrival at ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, Bagel made up for lost time, eating everything in sight and relaxing in his nice, warm bedding.

Bagel began interacting with ARL staff and volunteers fairly quickly, meowing for attention, purring, and accepting pets and treats, making it clear that he was friendly and would thrive if given the chance to find and family and a home of his own.

Despite his friendly demeanor, Bagel did have signs of living on his own for a period of time and was also involved in an altercation or two with another cat at some point.

Along with dental disease, Bagel had several teeth that were fractured and needed to be extracted.

Additionally, he had conjunctivitis, and also tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which is spread by bite wounds between cats, but cannot be transmitted to people.

Ready to Go Home

**Update 2/2/22: Bagel has been adopted!**

After extensive dental work and being neutered, Bagel has recovered and is now looking for his new home!

For more information about Bagel and how to inquire about adoption, click here!

ARL’s Community Cat Program

It is estimated that there are more than 700,000 community cats throughout Massachusetts, 70,000 in Boston alone.

Community cats face many challenges living outdoors. Without proper shelter and care, they are at risk of illness and injury.

Additionally, without spay/neuter surgery, these cats can produce many litters and continue the cycle of large colonies of unowned cats.

ARL’s Community Cat Program tackles this issue by working with individuals who take it upon themselves to feed and monitor these animals, as well as animal control officers to assess a colony and formulate a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) plan.

Spay and neuter surgeries are low risk and proven to improve the safety and health of these cats as well as the community as a whole. The plan also includes vaccines, and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, returned to their owner if microchipped, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if they are friendly, just like Bagel.

For more information about ARL’s Community Cat Program, click here!

ARL Receives Transport of Dogs Removed from Kentucky Region Recovering from December Tornadoes

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), in partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA), received a transport of dogs removed from an area in Kentucky devastated by a series of tornadoes in December of 2021.

In the wake of the tornadoes, the ASPCA was immediately dispatched to assist shelters in Kentucky, relocating dogs and cats in order to free up space for owned animals impacted by the storm.

The animals ARL received are among the dozens of homeless dogs moved to a facility outside of the impacted areas, who have been receiving care by the national organization since late December.

ARL was honored to become a part of the ASPCA Relocation Program in 2021, and is thrilled to be able to assist in the on-going disaster relief efforts by taking in these animals in need and finding them loving homes.

“By evacuating these homeless animals displaced by the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky, the ASPCA was able to free up critical resources for organizations in impacted communities to help save more animal lives,” said Lou Guyton, Vice President of the ASPCA Relocation and Placement team. “The ASPCA is grateful to partner with organizations such as ARL who have kindly opened their doors to find adoptive homes for these animals.”

“The ASPCA has done a tremendous job in its disaster relief efforts in Kentucky, and ARL is happy to be able to lend a hand in the effort by taking in these wonderful dogs and finding them loving homes here in Massachusetts,” stated ARL President and CEO Dr. Edward Schettino.

The dogs were transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center, and have received thorough veterinary exams, are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and are now ready to find their new families.

ARL Announces Dr. Nicole Breda as New Director of Veterinary Medicine

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Nicole Breda has been promoted to Director of Veterinary Medicine for ARL.

Dr. Nicole Breda

Dr. Breda joined ARL in 2015, as Lead Veterinarian for Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), a full-service veterinary clinic with a mission, as all profits benefit ARL’s shelter animals.

In 2018, Dr. Breda transitioned to BVC’s Medical Director, and through her leadership, BVC has become a premier veterinary clinic in the City of Boston.

Dr. Breda’s passion in caring for animals in unparalleled, and in her new role she will oversee all aspects of veterinary medicine for both BVC and ARL’s Shelter Medicine team.

“I am very excited to get to work in this new role,” Dr. Breda said.  “Over the last six-plus years I have developed deep rooted relationships with the entire veterinary team here at ARL, not only at Boston Veterinary Care, but also with the Community and Shelter Medicine Team. I know I can use my experiences in both management and in veterinary medicine to lead ARL’s veterinary teams, and provide high-quality care to the animals in our care, and to foster an environment of collaboration and success.”

BVC clients who have come to know and depend on Dr. Breda to care for their furry loved ones over the years will be pleased to know that she will continue to see clients at BVC and, in addition, will also treat animals in the care of ARL.

Join ARL in congratulating Dr. Breda!

ARL Appears on Good Morning America as Part of Betty White Challenge Coverage

On Monday, January 17, 2022, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, as part of the program’s coverage of the Betty White Challenge – which asked animal lovers to donate $5 to humane organizations across the country in recognition of the late actress’s fondness for animals.

During the nationally televised segment, ARL discussed several aspects of the organization, including programs that have developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, with GMA correspondent Will Reeve.

Additionally, the segment showcased Oliver Twist and Adeline, a pair of adorable piglets, currently in ARL’s care and will soon be available for adoption.

ARL was truly honored for the opportunity to discuss the organization in front of a national audience, and to commemorate what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday.

And a special thank you to all who donated during the special day as the funds raised will help countless animals in need!

January is Adopt a Rescued Bird Month

5 Reasons to Adopt a Bird!

January is National Adopt a Bird Month and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) wants to spread the love! Often overlooked in animal shelters, these beautiful and majestic creatures can make great pets, especially for families with limited living space or allergies.

Here are 5 other reasons why YOU should branch out and adopt a bird this month:blue parakeet

1. You’ll have someone to talk to. Because of their above average intelligence, birds are very communicative and love to socialize with humans. Birds have wonderful personalities and will often make you laugh by doing silly things like dancing and singing to themselves in a mirror.

2. You’ll have fun training them. Since most birds are relatively small, training them can be less physically demanding than working with larger creatures, making them a good choice for the young, elderly, or disabled.

3. You’ll have a loyal friend for the long-run. Many bird species have extraordinarily long life expectancies, some living more than 100 years! This often eases the concerns of people who want to make sure they adopt a pet that they can love and enjoy for a very long time.

4. You’ll have more space. A bird’s, food, water, and toys are typically self-contained in their cage, so smaller households will still have plenty of room to move around.

5. You’ll save money. Most landlords only charge “pet fees” to tenants with cats or dogs.

DON’T FORGET… to bring a photo! If you’re interested in adopting a bird or other small animal, the ARL requires that you bring a picture of the cage that your new companion will be living in to ensure it’s adequate. Click here to meet our adoptable birds. 

Sandwich, MA Resident Reunited with Cat Missing Since August

This past week, a family in Sandwich, MA, received the best gift they could’ve wished for – to be reunited with their family pet who had been missing for nearly four months.

Neville reunited with his family.

Neville, a five-year-old male cat, was recently brought into the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, by a Good Samaritan from Sagamore Beach.

The cat’s finder noticed him around their property in early November.

Neville would steal bread that was tossed for the crows and would stare into the window of the finder’s home looking for food!

The finder realized the cat seemed friendly, and concerned that there was a family out there missing him, the Good Samaritan was eventually able to trap the cat and bring him to ARL.

The cat was given a thorough veterinary exam and found to be in good health. He did not have a collar or identification tags, and was not microchipped.

Neville’s finder had posted a photo of the cat on a Facebook lost pet community page, and when his owner Moira saw his photo, she reached out immediately.

Once confirming the cat had been taken to ARL, Moira contacted the shelter and promptly made the trip from Sandwich to Brewster with high hopes of being reunited with her lost animal.

With documentation and photos in hand, it was quickly determined that Neville was indeed the missing cat and was soon back in his home where he belongs – just in time for Christmas!

Is your pet lost?

ARL is thrilled Neville was able to be reunited with his family, and encourages pet owners to have their animals fitted with a collar, and ID tags.

In addition, a microchip drastically increases the chances of being reunited with a lost pet.

Should your pet go missing, ARL urges pet owners to report the lost pet to local animal control, local humane organizations like ARL, as well as social media pages dedicated to finding lost pets.

You can also alert neighbors, and post missing animal posters in your neighborhood and surrounding areas.

For more tips regarding a lost pet, log onto arlboston.org/ilostmypet/.

2021 Flashback: 24 Dogs Rescued from Randolph Home

In early August, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Law Enforcement Department collaborated with the Randolph Police Department to remove 24 dogs, mostly puppies, from a home in Randolph, MA.

The Pitbull-type dogs were removed due to unsanitary conditions and inadequate access to food and water.

Randolph Police responded to the home for an unrelated matter, but when the four adult dogs and 20 puppies were discovered, the responding officers realized the animals were in need and immediately took action.

ARL Law Enforcement was contacted and responded to the scene, coordinating with ARL Field Services to safely remove the dogs and transport them to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center.

ARL’s shelter medicine team provided vaccinations, thorough exams, and medical care for the animals; one puppy did have a fractured leg, several others had umbilical hernias which required surgery, and heart murmurs were detected in a few of the dogs as well.

The dogs were placed into foster care and many found their perfect matches quickly.

“The Animal Rescue of Boston cannot commend Randolph Police and Animal Control enough,” stated ARL Law Enforcement Senior Investigator Lt. Alan Borgal. “Everyone involved in this situation demonstrated a high level of professionalism, compassion and the steadfast commitment to removing these animals from the residence quickly and getting them the care they needed.”

Randolph Police Commander Robert Emerson said, “We are pleased to have been able to remove these animals from the poor conditions they were living in. I would like to thank the ARL Law Enforcement and Field Services teams for their quick response and assistance at the scene, as well as the shelter medicine teams and foster care network for their dedication to caring for the dogs. I would also like to praise our responding officers who were called to the house on an unrelated issue and noticed that the situation the animals were living in was not acceptable.”

The rescue of these animals is a shining example of ARL’s work in action. Through ARL Law Enforcement, Field Services, Shelter Medicine, Shelter staff and volunteers, these wonderful dogs received the love, care and support they needed to get well and find their perfect homes to spend the holidays in!

There’s still time to make a difference for animals this year!

Your generous year-end gift will ensure that animals in need like all 24 of these pups can get the care they count on including, food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger.

We hope we can count on your support by making a gift today, as we continue to work to keep pets in homes and out of shelters.