Michael DeFina, Author at Animal Rescue League of Boston

Blog Archives

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.

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.

Shelter Cats Bond During Surgery Recovery

Shelter cats must go home together

A pair of cats transported to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in December forged a special bond after both animals received corrective eye surgeries, and now the cats are beginning the next chapter of their lives together.

Norma, a six-year-old Siamese, and Cream Soda, a three-year-old Tabby, arrived at ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center through the ASPCA’s Relocation Program, which transports animals from overcrowded shelters to organizations like ARL who can provide care and adoption services.

Upon intake in early December, both cats were diagnosed with entropion, a condition where the eyelid is inverted, which can cause painful irritation and if left untreated, could result in corneal scratches, inflammation, discharge, or possible blindness.

ARL’s shelter medicine team performed multiple surgeries on the cats to correct the condition, and as the healing process began, Norma and Cream Soda were placed in the same kennel, and began leaning on each other for comfort.

When applying eye medications following surgery, the cats would provide strength and support for one another, and would constantly be found curling up together.

Two cats on a red blanket: one with a dark face and ears, and the other with orange and white fur, both looking at the camera.

With the post-surgery recovery lasting for weeks, the cats forged a strong bond, and when it was time to find them a new home, ARL decided that the two needed to go home together, to keep their bond intact.

After their heartwarming story appeared in local media, the pair received quite a bit of attention and have found their home together!

Norma and Cream Soda are thriving in their new home and ARL is thrilled that these special cats will spend the rest of their lives leaning on one another.

Making a Difference

When you support ARL today, you can help make sure animals like Norma and Cream Soda get everything they deserve.

Your generosity means you can be there for animals, every step of the journey home, as long as it takes.

From transports from overcrowded shelters or emergency rescues to veterinary care, enrichment, and behavior training, and finally adoption – you make it all possible.

Injured Stray Dog Recovering at ARL

Stray dog needed emergency surgery

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a Shih Tzu puppy that was found alone in Jamaica Plain just before the New Year and needed emergency surgery due to an eye injury.

The animal is recovering, but still has a way to go before finding his new home.

Louie after receiving emergency surgery.

Louie, an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, was found along a cold and damp Boylston Street in Jamaica Plain on December 28, and taken to a veterinary clinic for an initial assessment.

Boston Animal Care and Control was contacted to retrieve the dog, and because of the nature of his injury, contacted ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center to provide emergency care and support.

The dog did not have a microchip or identification tags, but had suffered from a ruptured corneal ulcer, causing extreme pain and discomfort; an umbilical hernia was also discovered upon examination at ARL.

ARL’s community and shelter medicine team performed surgery to remove the injured eye and repaired the hernia.

Louie is pain-free and recovering well, however, he will not be made available for adoption until he is healthy enough to go home.

ARL is a Resource

ARL is a resource to pet owners and to partners like Boston Animal Care and Control, but emergency services and surgery do come at a high cost.

To date, Louie’s cost of care is several thousand dollars, and ARL is seeking financial support to help offset the cost of his medical needs. Please consider donating today.

ARL’s Spay Waggin’® Celebrates 80,000th Surgery

ARL partners with the YMCA of Greater Boston for special Spay Waggin’ clinic, improving the health and well-being of people and pets in our communities

Just before Christmas, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ celebrated its 80,000^th spay and neuter surgery during a special clinic in East Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

ARL’s mobile vehicle, the Spay Waggin’, provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services, and during this special clinic, more than two dozen animals had the important surgery performed, surpassing the 80,000 mark since the Spay Waggin’ was first launched in 2000.

ARL is thrilled to have the opportunity and ability to provide this service to pet owners in East Boston as well as other Greater Boston communities, and to celebrate this occasion with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston is a resource for pet owners, and this is a momentous occasion for a program that is now in its 24^th year of service,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “We are proud of our work and the collaborative efforts of human service organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston who helped innovative ideas become reality, helping countless pet owners in Boston.”

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to mark this important milestone,” said David Shapiro, CEO Y of Greater Boston. “We were energized to host the launch of this important innovation and outreach seven years ago, and it is incredibly meaningful to play a continued supporting role in collaboratively strengthening the bond between people and their pets, improving the health and well-being of both by removing barriers so all can better thrive in community.”

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides spay/neuter services throughout the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Greater Boston.

Without this program, this vital surgery for pets would financially be out of reach for many pet owners, and the Spay Waggin’ not only provides a low-cost option, but also brings accessible services directly where they’re needed most.

Make a Difference

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need.

Your support helps provide food, medical care, and safe shelter to vulnerable animals, giving them the care they deserve.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

A True Home for the Holidays — Missing Cat Reunited with Family After Several Months

Microchip made reunion of missing cat possible

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) reunited a Maine family with their 10-year-old missing cat, several months after the cat got out and became lost during a family visit to Cape Cod.

Having the animal microchipped was what allowed for the reunion and for the cat to literally get back home for the holidays.

The cat, named Rosebud, had strictly been an indoor cat, but during the family’s visit to Brewster, Rosebud snuck outside and became lost.

Despite drastic efforts to find her, the family had to return to Maine, devastated in the thought that their beloved cat was gone and began mourning her loss.

However, on December 14, a Dennis resident contacted ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, saying the cat had been hanging around the property for a couple of months seeking food, and although the cat had a flea collar but no identification tags, the resident believed the cat was an owned animal and then brought her to ARL.

ARL’s staff scanned the cat for a microchip, and then immediately contacted the owners.

Needless to say, the family was stunned, but overwhelmed with excitement that Rosebud was still alive and arranged to make the three-hour drive the next day to pick her up and get her home.

Upon arrival in Brewster, Rosebud’s family stated they were still in shock and it wasn’t until they physically saw her that the shock wore off and the reality set in that the cat was alive and well and ready to go home for the holidays!

Despite being indoors all of her life, Rosebud tapped into her survival instincts, and wandered the Cape wilderness for miles, starting in Brewster, and winding up in Dennis where she was found.

Importance of Microchipping

ARL reminds pet owners that a microchip greatly increases the odds of being reunited with your pet should they go missing.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to the animal.

It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and last the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

Make an Impact

More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible.

ARL Caring for Injured Dog Who Needed Emergency Eye Surgery

Injured dog with bulging eye brought to ARL after being found outside vet clinic in Boston

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a one-year-old inured dog taken in from Boston Animal Care and Control after being found tied to a pole outside a local veterinary clinic and needing emergency surgery to remove an eye that dislodged from its socket.

Aside from the injury, the dog was very well cared for and ARL believes this is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis not knowing where to turn.

The dog, named Herbie, was found on December 11 outside of a veterinary clinic in Boston and brought to Boston Animal Care and Control.

Because he needed immediate medical attention, he was transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center where he was assessed.

His left eye was proptosed, meaning it dislodged from its socket, and needed to be removed surgically due to the severe damage.

This is not an uncommon injury for a small dog, and typically occurs as the result of trauma i.e. accident.

Other than the injury to the eye, Herbie is in excellent health, is very friendly, and well-groomed.

Herbie is healthy and will live a normal life.

ARL understands many pet owners are struggling and reminds the public that ARL is a resource.

In 2024 ARL has seen more than 700 animals surrendered due to housing-related issues, which is more than double from 2023.

Cost of pet care has risen drastically in recent years, and when a medical emergency arises, many pet owners are unable to pay for care, prompting some to make rash decisions, but with the best interest of the animal in mind.

Any pet owner facing difficulties can access our list of resources and programs including:

Accessible wellness care
Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries
Pet food and supplies
Temporary pet housing
Free pet behavior help

URGENT REQUEST: Animals still need you!

Time is running out and your year-end gift is needed now!

Rising costs have strained our limited resources – animals and the people who love them need you now.

Your donation can ensure animals in need have everything they need, including behavioral support, veterinary care, shelter, and adoption services, to help them find safe and loving homes to experience love and joy in the New Year.

Press Release: East Boston resident facing a dozen animal cruelty charges

The following press release was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office

BOSTON, December 19, 2024 – A 27-year-old man was arraigned today in East Boston BMC on a dozen animal cruelty charges after investigators determined he abused a 10- to 12- month-old German Shepherd over several months, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

ARMANI DOSHI, 27, of East Boston was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and six counts of animal cruelty by custodian.

Judge Debra Delvecchio ordered Doshi held on $100 bail and revoked his bail for 60 days on a pending Chelsea District Court case in which he threatened a judge.

Doshi will return to court on January 16 for a pre-trial hearing.

On various dates in September through December, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department, the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Animal Control received numerous reports regarding abuse and cruel treatment of the female German Shepherd by Doshi.

Witnesses reported multiple incidents of abuse that had taken place outside of an apartment complex.

They reported hearing the dog crying throughout the day and reported Doshi walking the dog by holding her in a headlock, causing her to walk on just her hind legs.

Others reported seeing Doshi lie on the dog’s neck when she barked in public spaces.

Maintenance in Doshi’s building reported observing bite marks on a door frame, wall, and inside of the door when they were asked to repair a closet in his apartment. The dog was often locked in the closet with no light, food or water.

Based on the information received, including photos and videos, investigators successfully sought a warrant for Doshi’s arrest.

The dog was seized this morning by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Hayden, a dog owner, thanked witnesses for reporting the abuse and also thanked members of the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force for their collaborative work.

“During the holiday season many pets receive even more attention and affection from the families who love and care for them. But there are always the heartbreaking exceptions, and we will hold people accountable for cruel and abusive behavior whenever we can,” Hayden said.

Animal Cruelty Task Force

In January 2024 Hayden created the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing abuse of animals and coordinating efforts to bring abusers to justice. Members include the police and animal control departments in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Animal Rescue League and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Those reporting animal abuse should call the ARL hotline at (617) 426-9170 x110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

Bonded Canine Odd Couple Seeking Home for the Holidays

Bonded Chihuahua and American Bulldog are adorable pair

An unlikely bonded pair of dogs in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are seeking a new home for the holidays together.

Karma, a female 5-year-old American Bulldog, and Gigi, a female 1-year-old Chihuahua, were surrendered from the same home in early November due to a housing situation, and while they were not surrendered as a bonded pair, the two soon forged a powerful bond while in the shelter and are now inseparable.

Standing side by side or in play mode, the stark contrast in size is comical to some, but the pair are gentle and fun-loving when together, and when play time is over, you can always find them curled up together for nap time.

They also complement each other with their personalities.

Karma is more of an introvert, while Gigi is a social butterfly, and together they open up quickly to new experiences, people, and other dogs.

The pair, who are now spending some time in foster care, will make a wonderful addition to any family, and anyone with room in their heart for not one, but two amazing pups, is encouraged to contact ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for more information.

How You Can Help

When you make your year-end gift today, you can help make sure animals like Karma and Gigi get everything they deserve this holiday season.