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Category: Events
75 Cats Spayed/Neutered During ARL’s Fix-a-Feral Clinic

THANK YOU to our dedicated volunteers and staff who made this important work possible!

On a very snowy Sunday morning, 34 extremely dedicated ARL volunteers and 11 ARL employees stood ready and waiting to receive 75+ cats during its first Fix-A-Feral Clinic of the year at ARL’s Boston shelter.

During the Fix-a-Feral Clinic, 75 cats were successfully spay/neutered, vaccinated, and received an individual behavioral screening.

Thanks to a generous donor, the ARL was able to offer these trap, neuter, and release (TNR) services to 14 feral cat caretakers in the Greater Boston Area—FREE of charge!

Cheryl Traversi, manager of community veterinary services at the ARL, works very closely with these community cat trappers, feeders, and caretakers.

“Providing spay and neuter services to these community cat trappers is a vital part of feral cat colony management,” explains Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian of ARL’s community veterinary services.

In fact, studies have shown that humanely trapping, spaying/neutering, and releasing (TNR) feral cats back to the colonies where they have been living is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of homeless animals in our community.

Feral cats are cats that have either lived for an extended period of time with little or no human contact. Sometimes these cats have been abandoned by previous owners; other times they are the offspring of stray or other feral cats.

Watch the video below for a brief recap of ARL’s Spring Fix-a-Feral Clinic 

PUT YOUR PAWS TOGETHER FOR our incredible volunteers and staff members who helped with Sunday’s Fix-a-Feral Clinic… and for our donor, without whom this week’s clinic would not have been possible!

Learn more about ARL’s high-quality affordable spay/neuter services at arlboston.org/spay-neuter.


Strong Showing at Humane Lobby Day 2016!

ARL participates alongside local & national animal welfare organizations

Earlier today, state representatives and citizen animal advocates reinforced to legislators how important the issue of animal welfare is to their constituents by the strong attendance at Humane Lobby Day 2016.

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ARL’s director of advocacy, Nadine Pellegrini, takes the podium at Humane Lobby Day.

Volunteers and staff proudly represented the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) at the Massachusetts State House. Attendees who visited the ARL table were impressed by the important work that we’re doing in the community and our continuous efforts to educate the public about animal welfare and safety.

A big piece of that effort is the addition of Nadine Pellegrini, ARL’s director of advocacy. In her new role, Nadine will provide leadership and direction on the organization’s busy animal welfare agenda.

“I’m very proud to be here at my first Lobby Day,” Nadine told the crowd. “You folks are unstoppable!”

This year, Nadine was asked to speak to event attendees about bill S. 1092, An Act Relative to the Tethering of Dogs. After discussing the research behind the “anti-tethering” bill, Nadine closed with the gentle reminder that, “dogs are not only a part of our lives, but also a partner in our lives.”

Key representatives from HSUS, MSPCA, and ASPCA also spoke about the important animal welfare bills that constituents should address with their legislators, such as: (S. 1103) An Act to Protect Puppies and Kittens; (S. 2069) An Act Regulating the Enforcement of Illegal Hunting Practices; (S. 415) An Act Expanding the Powers of the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife; (H. 658) An Act Relative to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

ARL staff spoke with state representatives and citizen animal advocates about what makes our local organization unique.

ARL staff and volunteers spoke with citizen animal advocates about the ARL and it’s programs and services.

Awards were also presented to local town and city leaders who were identified as champions for animal protection and welfare.

The Municipal Leadership Award was granted to Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley and to Cambridge City Councilor Marc McGovern. The Humane Legislator Award was presented to Massachusetts State Senator Michael Moore and to Massachusetts State Representative Lori Ehrlich.

CONGRATULATIONS… to this year’s award recipients and thank you for helping to achieve stronger protections for animals in the Commonwealth!

VERY SPECIAL THANKS… to our Humane Lobby Day 2016 partners HSUS, MSPCA, and ASPCA for giving animals a voice and asking state legislators to pass laws that benefit both animals and humans alike!


ARL Debuts Christine Barton Feline Suite

ARL’s newly constructed Feline Suite has been named in memory of longtime volunteer, Christine Barton

Earlier this week, volunteers and staff gathered together at ARL’s Boston shelter to celebrate the life of the caring, committed, and longtime volunteer, Christine Barton.

Read the North End Waterfront article.

During the naming ceremony, ARL’s volunteer and educational programs manager, Debra Vogel, gave a heartfelt speech about why the Feline Suite was dedicated in Christine’s name:

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On Monday, ARL’s new Feline Suite was dedicated to longtime volunteer, Christine Barton! Funding for the Feline Suite was generously donated by the Gelnaw family!

Shy and fractious cats, like Frisky, surrendered to the ARL’s Boston shelter sometimes struggle in the traditional kennel environment. The newly renovated Feline Suite gives these cats a more home-like setting to rehabilitate and ultimately find a permanent home.

In the summer of 2015, the ARL lost a treasured member of their volunteer team, Christine Barton, after a battle with cancer.
 
Christine was a feline friend, a photographer, and a mentor. She spent countless hours patiently caring for the animals at the ARL.  Her devotion spanned from sitting for long periods of time with a shy cat to waiting for the perfect photo of a rambunctious puppy.
 
While her love for animals was obvious, her concern for children was just as strong. Christine frequently said, ‘I just want to do good’.
 
Feline Suite

ARL president, Mary Nee, and Feline Suite donor, Michelle Gelnaw unveil Christine’s plaque at the dedication ceremony.

Christine’s final wish was to have one more chance to visit the ARL’s Boston shelter. The Feline Suite that is being dedicated in her name, gives challenging cats a second chance. In this space, current volunteers can carry on Christine’s work to care for the cats in residence there. Nothing made Christine happier than to see once challenging cats flourish and find a new home.

Funding for the Christine Barton Feline Suite was generously donated by the Gelnaw family. They requested that the Feline Suite be named in Christine’s memory to help her legacy live on!
 

THANK YOU to Christine Barton for her many years of dedicated service to animals in need at the ARL!

…And to the Gelnaw family for their generous donation to help give struggling cats a chance to find a loving home!


Happening Now: ARL Hosts Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon

ARL spays/neuters 52 Cape Cod animals in need on World Spay Day

Early this morning, ARL’s Spay Waggin’ pulled into Falmouth, MA to host it’s very first Free Hip to Snip Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon on the 22nd annual World Spay Day.

The last Tuesday of every February, National World Spay Day shines a spotlight on the power of affordable, accessible spay/neuter to prevent pet overpopulation.

Thanks to a generous grant from Cold Noses Foundation, the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is providing free spay and neuter services to animals in need on Cape Cod. The mobile surgical unit will be stationed outside of the Petco in Falmouth today and tomorrow.

Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian at the ARL, helped spay and neuter over xxx animals on the Spay Waggin' in 2015!

DID YOU KNOW… that the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to cats and dogs on Cape Cod and the South Shore? Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian at the ARL, spayed and neutered over 260 animals on the Cape in 2015!

During the event, Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian for community veterinary services at the ARL, will welcome a total of 52 cat and dog patients aboard the Spay Waggin’.

“Spaying or neutering your cat or dog offers very important health benefits, yet finding affordable options can pose a challenge for many pet owners on Cape Cod,” says Dr. Quigley.

He explains that one of the ARL’s goals for the Hip to Snip Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon is to help Cape Cod residents looking for an affordable option to learn more about the exceptional care pets receive on the Spay Waggin’.

In 2016, the Spay Waggin’ will visit Cape Cod on the third Tuesday of every month. Visits will rotate between Petco in Falmouth and The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Yarmouth. To view the schedule, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin.

ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE!

The Ellen B. Gray Memorial Fund has challenged us to turn a generous $5,000 donation into $20,000 before the end of February to bring spay and neuter services to more animals in need!

All funds donated during the It’s Hip to Snip Fund Drive now through February 29 will benefit the ARL’s community spay and neuter programs including the Spay Waggin’.

The ARL receives no government or public funding to provide spay and neuter services to animals in need  — ONLY YOU can make this important work possible!

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VERY SPECIAL THANKS to our challenge donor, The Ellen B. Gray Memorial Fund; Da Vinci Ristorante; our media sponsors and partners Friends of Jake and Liam, WBZ, WEEI, WRKO, WZLX, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and WBOS; and everyone who made a donation to support ARL’s spay and neuter programs during the It’s Hip to Snip Fund Drive!

For more spay and neuter resources, visit arlboston.org/spay-neuter.


Take Action for Farm Animals on February 11

Join The Citizens for Farm Animal Protection at farm ballot hearing

This fall, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) helped gather over 133,000 signatures (more than double of what was required!) as part of the effort to secure a November 2016 ballot measure to end the extreme confinement of farm animals in Massachusetts.

the citizens for farm animal protection

This Fall, The Citizens for Farm Animal Protection successfully collected over 133,000 signatures as the first step in securing a November 2016 ballot measure that would put an end to the extreme confinement of farm animals in Massachusetts.

The ballot measure would require that farm animals in Massachusetts — specifically egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves — have enough room to turn around, lay down, and stretch their limbs. It would also ensure that shell eggs, and whole, uncooked cuts of pork and veal sold in the Commonwealth are compliant with these modest standards.

With the first major hurdle cleared, the  initiative now goes before Massachusetts State legislature as House Bill 3930 and is scheduled for a hearing one week from today…..

Hearing on an Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals
Thursday, February 11, 2016, 1 pm
Massachusetts State House in Room A-2
24 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 01233

citizens for farm animal protection

The most commonly used battery cages hold 5-10 birds per cage. Hens kept in these cages are unable to even spread a wing.

During the hearing, industry experts and members of The Citizen’s for Farm Animal Protection Coalition will testify in front of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and encourage state officials to work on legislation to make the reforms proposed in the ballot initiative law.

If the legislature decides NOT to take up the bill by early May, the next step is to gather a second round of signatures from Massachusetts voters to qualify for the November 2016 ballot.

TAKE ACTION NOW…

  1. Show your support for farm animals and attend the public legislative hearing on February 11 at the State House
  2. Share the hearing’s Facebook event with your family, friends, and social media network – visit http://bit.ly/PreventCrueltyHearing
  3. Contact legislators on the committee and urge them to take up action on the bill.

Over 133,000 Massachusetts Voters Say “Yes” to STOP Farm Animal Cruelty

ARL hosts rally to celebrate successful signature campaign

Earlier today,  Citizens for Farm Animal Protection announced they had successfully gathered over 130,000 signatures as part of the effort to secure a 2016 ballot measure in Massachusetts to phase out the extreme confinement of animals at industrial-style factory farms, as well as the sale of products produced under those conditions.

The ARL joined the coalition this summer and worked alongside other animal welfare groups, veterinarians, farmers, local businesses, and individuals to collect signatures. Over the last 9 weeks, more than 1,000 volunteers across the state spent countless hours asking Massachusetts voters to sign the petition for farm animals.

Thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and supporters who were passionate about this issue leaders, the number of signatures collected is double the number of signatures required to qualify for the Massachusetts ballot!

By signing the petition, voters were saying “yes” to allow veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens the basic right to stand up, lie down, turn around, and extend their limbs.

citizens for farm animal protection

Muneco, showed his support by giving everyone a high paw for their dedicated efforts!

“The outpouring of support from Massachusetts voters who signed the ballot petition clearly reflects the growing consensus that humane and safe food sources benefits animals and people alike,” explained Mary Nee, president of the ARL.

The rainy weather today didn’t stop dozens of local and national animal protection leaders, coalition leaders, and volunteers from gathering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s headquarters in South End, Boston for a celebratory rally to acknowledge this momentous achievement.

While enjoying well-deserved refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, rally attendees listened to remarks from animal welfare leaders including representatives from the Humane Society of the United States, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mary also offered remarks of gratitude and inspiration: “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all the coalition members, volunteers, and supporters, we all moved one step closer to ending the cruel confinement of farm animals.”

After the rally concluded, volunteers delivered and formally filed the  petitions with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

citizens for farm animal protection

ARL’s president, Mary Nee, was thrilled to take the stage and speak about the campaign’s successes thus far.

In the coming weeks, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office will review the coalition’s submission and verify that it will qualify as the first phase toward getting it onto the 2016 ballot.

The next step… Volunteers are needed to collect additional signatures in Spring 2016 to guarantee a spot on next year’s ballot.

A big THANK YOU to all of the dedicated volunteers who collected signatures for the farm ballot initiative and to all those who supported this momentous effort to end the extreme confinement of farm animals!


ARL Talks Animal Hoarding at Fall Educational Forum

Thank you to supporters for bringing awareness to complex community issue

Earlier this week, over 40 of the ARL’s biggest supporters came together at the Ink Block South End in Boston for the President’s Council Fall Educational Forum. The group included corporate sponsors, as well as members of our Board of Directors and our President’s Council, individuals who donate $1,000 or more annually to help animals in need.

Moderated by former WCVB anchor and animal advocate Susan Wornick,  Dr. Gary Patronek, animal hoarding expert and founder of the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, and Lt. Alan Borgal, director of law enforcement at the ARL. discussed the complex topic of animal hoarding and how the ARL approaches situations where animals and people are at risk.

animal hoarding

Moochie was seen at the event wearing her See Something, Say Something t-shirt in honor of National Animal Safety & Protection Month!

During their engaging exchange, Dr. Patronek explained the academic theories behind the psychological factors that make up an animal hoarder, while Lt. Borgal shared stories about the hoarding situations that he’s investigated over the last 45 years of his career.

“Animal hoarding is an urgent and serious community problem effecting cities and towns across Massachusetts,” explained Lt. Borgal. “The situations that the Animal Rescue League of Boston encounter are becoming more frequent and increasingly complex. These cases are a huge strain for the ARL financially, as well as on our other departments and services, such as the rescue team, Spay Waggin’, intake, veterinarians, shelter staff, and foster families.”

As guests arrived, they were greeted by the wagging tail of Moochi (pictured right) who came to the ARL from a recent animal hoarding case.

Thanks to our amazing host and generous food and beverage vendors, guests enjoyed the cocktail-hour portion of the event enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, sipping on a variety of cold refreshments, and meeting-and-greeting fellow animal lovers.

animal hoarding

Susan Wornick, Dr. Gary Patronek, and ARL’s Lt. Alan Borgal sit down to talk about the complex topic of animal hoarding.

The program concluded with Mary Nee, president of the ARL, thanking the members of the President’s Council for their generous support and explaining the impact of their donations during the Cruelty Prevention Fund Drive on the thousands of animals who are rescued from animal hoarding cases each year.

Mary Nee’s final ask was for everyone in the audience to take the information they learned from the night’s event and use it to spread awareness to their family, friends, personal networks, members of the community, and Massachusetts elected officials.

THANK YOU again to our generous donors for helping to prevent animal suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect through your support of the Animal Rescue League of Boston!

And a special thank you to our amazing guest host, speakers, and corporate supporters of the Fall Educational Forum…

Susan Wornickanimal hoarding
Dr. Gary Patronek
Lt. Alan Borgal
Ink Block
Unit Realty Group
Formaggio Kitchen South End
Whole Foods South End
Baroo
Boston Veterinary Care
Boston Audio Rentals
ProPrint

ONLY 3 DAY LEFT… To DONATE to ARL’s Cruelty Prevention Fund Drive!

An anonymous donor who has a strong belief in caring for and protecting animals has challenged us to triple a $5,000 donation and raise $15,000 before the end of October to support the ARL’s law enforcement team. All donations to ARL’s Cruelty Prevention fund drive will help pay for the on-going efforts of our law enforcement team to provide animals in need with assistance.

DONATE NOW

As a SPECIAL THANK YOU from Ayushi… The first (3) people to donate $100 or more TODAY, Thursday, October 29, will receive $100 worth of cruelty-free vegan skin and hair care products from Ayushi!

Click here or on the DONATE button below to make a donation to the ARL’s Cruelty Prevention Fund Drive.

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VERY SPECIAL THANKS to our anonymous challenge donor, Ayushi, and everyone who has made a donation to support animals in need during the ARL’s Cruelty Prevention fund drive!


October is National Animal Safety & Protection Month

DONATEREPORT animal cruelty suspicions to authorities – they’re both critical to prevention!

If you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) wants to remind the public about the importance of recognizing and reporting animal cruelty.

Animal cruelty comes in many forms, including physical abuse, neglect of basic care, abandonment, dog fighting, and animal hoarding. Because many studies have demonstrated a strong link between cruelty to animals and other forms of domestic and community violence, prevention plays a critical role in improving the safety and welfare of both animals and people in Massachusetts.

Click on the play button below to watch Lt. Alan Borgal, director of law enforcement at the ARL, talk about the urgency of preventing animal cruelty at the community-level:

Although Alan and his team work closely with the state, as well as many cities and towns, they receive no government funding to provide this kind of assistance to animals in need. ARL’s law enforcement department can only do this important work with your support!

When you give during the ARL’s CRUELTY PREVENTION FUND DRIVE, you will help pay for the on-going efforts of our law enforcement team to provide animals suffering from abuse and neglect with the assistance that they need to recover.

An anonymous donor who has a strong belief in caring for and protecting our animals has challenged us to triple a $5,000 donation and raise $15,000 in October to support the ARL’s law enforcement department!

AS A SPECIAL THANK YOU… The first 15 people to donate $25 or more TODAY, October 16, 2015, will receive an ARL bookmark!

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VERY SPECIAL THANKS to our anonymous challenge donor and everyone who has made a donation to support animals in need during the ARL’s Cruelty Prevention fund drive!

Learn more about preventing animal cruelty.


41 Super Pets Adopted on Clear the Shelters Day

Thank you for helping ARL’s Super Pets -and shelter animals across the nation- find loving homes this summer!

clear the shelters dayOn Saturday, August 15, 2015, animal shelters across the country opened their doors for national Clear the Shelters Day– an event dedicated to finding as many animals as possible permanent homes. ARL’s shelters in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham all participated in this one-day event.

Summer is when animal shelters are at their highest capacity, so placing animals with new loving families this time of year becomes even more important.

Thanks to our amazing adopters, generous donors, and those who helped spread the word, YOU gave 41 ARL Super Pets a chance at a better life!

Super Pets like Daisy, Yoshi, Pikachu, Wendy, and Bill (pictured at right with their new family members), found their forever homes during Clear the Shelters Day! Their adopters were overjoyed to bring home their new companions, along with an awesome Super Pet Pack filled with goodies.

Remember: It’s never too late to ADOPT a Super Pet! Search adoptables

THANK YOU to our media partners NBCUniversal, NECN,  WBZ, and Clear Channel for spreading the word about the importance of animal adoptions!

…And to the ASPCA for making the Animal Rescue League of Boston a grant recipient for Clear the Shelters Day!

clear the shelters day


Author of DOGS ON CAPE COD Supports ARL Shelter Animals

Hosts event and donates a portion of the book’s proceeds to shelter animals

Group photo at Dogs on Cape Cod fundraising event

ARL staff members pose for a photo with Kim Roderiques (pictured second from left) to celebarate the launch of her new book, DOGS ON CAPE COD. A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to animals in need at ARL’s Brewster Shelter!

A big thank you to Cape Cod photographer Kim Roderiques for hosting an event to celebrate the launch of her book, Dogs on Cape Cod, and raise funds for animals in need at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Brewster (Cape Cod) Animal Care & Adoption Center.

Dogs on Cape Cod captures over 255 vibrant photos of dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes frolicking leash-free against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Cod.

Quotes from famous dog-lovers such as Mary Oliver and Milan Kundera are interspersed throughout the book and captions with each dog’s name and breed, along with the shot’s location accompany each photograph.

Kim and her publishers very generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from DOGS ON CAPE COD to help care for animals in need at the ARL’s Brewster Shelter.

Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL's vice president of animal welfare, was invited to speak at the Dogs on the Cape fundraising event.

Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL’s vice president of animal welfare and veterinary services, spoke about the many dogs that the Brewster Shelter has helped on the Cape over the years at the DOGS ON CAPE COD fundraising event.

Last week, Kim also hosted a fundraising event for animals at the Brewster at the beautiful Wequassett Inn in Harwich, MA.  She invited the ARL’s vice president of animal welfare and veterinary services Dr. Edward Schettino to share stories about the many animals the shelter has helped find homes for on Cape Cod.

The event brought together 150 attendees who donated more than $2,900 for the ARL’s Brewster shelter!

Thank you, Kim, for your incredible generosity and support of the Animal Rescue League of Boston!