Our Mission
The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy.
Recognized for our innovative, award-winning programs that go beyond sheltering, we address the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them.
By partnering with communities, we help animals heal and thrive, keep pets and people together, and protect animals from harm.
Because there is no government funding for this important work, animals must rely on people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year.
ARL In Action
Press Release: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Dogfighting
April 16, 2025
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
Supporter Spotlight: Julie Mackin & Dan Clevenger
April 14, 2025
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!
ARL Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center
April 9, 2025
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
Press Release: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than a Year in Prison for Dogfighting
April 16, 2025
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
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