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Lobbying for PAWS II Passage

ARL Co-Hosts Event at Massachusetts State House

On Wednesday, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) joined legislators, animal advocates and other animal organizations for a special event at the Massachusetts State House, to directly lobby law makers for the passage of S. 2347: An Act to Protect Animal Welfare and Safety in Cities and Towns (PAWS II).

PAWS II recently passed in the Massachusetts Senate and will soon be addressed in the House.

Nearly 100 constituents and animal advocates were on hand to learn specific aspects of the omnibus bill, lobbying strategies, and finally to meet face to face with legislators.

PAWS II

On the heels of the horrific discovery of Puppy Doe and ensuing investigation in 2013, the original PAWS Act was passed in 2014, which strengthened animal cruelty penalties in Massachusetts, and also created the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force, of which ARL was a member.

PAWS II derives from recommendations made by the task force and would protect animals in the Commonwealth in a multitude of ways.

If passed, the bill would:

  • Require the cross-reporting of animal abuse;
  • Prohibit the drowning of animals;
  • Prohibit the automatic killing of animal fighting victims;
  • Prohibit discrimination against dog breeds;
  • Require property owners to look for animals when property is vacated and notify the police or an animal control officer if an animal is found; and
  • Prohibit sexual contact with an animal or forcing a child to engage in sexual contact with an animal.

ARL thanks Senators Mark Montigny, Bruce Tarr, and Karen Spilka for their continued efforts to fight animal cruelty and abuse in the Commonwealth. ARL would also like to thank our colleagues at the MSPCA, HSUS for collaborative advocacy efforts.

PAWS II is just one of several bills that is a part of ARL’s Legislative Agenda. With your help, we can further protect animals throughout the Commonwealth!

WE ARE CHAMPIONS FOR ANIMALS.

PAWS II Lobby Day: Protect Animal Welfare and Safety

On Wednesday, May 9, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) will join the Animal Cruelty Task Force, Massachusetts legislators, and other organizations for a special lobbying event to advance S.2347: An Act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns (PAWS II).

PAWS II Lobby Day will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in Room 428 at the Massachusetts State House.

Legislative Action

The discovery of Puppy Doe in 2013, and the subsequent investigation that followed inspired legislative action to protect animals. As a result, in 2014, the original PAWS Act was passed and strengthened penalties against animal abuse. It also created the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force.

Puppy Doe.

Massachusetts can continue to strengthen animal protection laws by passing PAWS II (S.2347: An Act to protect animal welfare and safety in cities and towns). The bill has passed the Senate and is currently in the House.

PAWS II includes several provisions, some of which are included below. PAWS II would:

– Require the cross-reporting of animal abuse;
– Prohibit the drowning of animals;
– Prohibit the automatic killing of animal fighting victims;
– Prohibit discrimination against dog breeds;
– Require property owners to look for animals when property is vacated and notify the police or an animal control officer if an animal is found; and
– Prohibit sexual contact with an animal or forcing a child to engage in sexual contact with an animal.

PAWS II is just one of several bills that is a part of ARL’s Legislative Agenda. With your help, we can further protect animals throughout the Commonwealth!

WE ARE CHAMPIONS FOR ANIMALS.

Maddie’s Fund® Honors ARL’s Lt. Alan Borgal

Hero Award Recognizes Excellence and Dedication

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is proud to announce that Law Enforcement Director Lt. Alan Borgal has received the prestigious Maddie’s Fund® Hero Award – one of just 10 recipients in the United States.

Maddie’s Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, established the Hero Award to honor those who are leading the way in animal welfare with innovative ideas, progressive thinking and lifesaving actions. Award winners also exemplify Maddie’s Fund’s core values of honesty, integrity and mutual respect.

In addition to the award, Maddie’s Fund is also bestowing a generous $10,000 grant to ARL in Lt. Borgal’s name.

Lt. Borgal has been employed by ARL for 42 years, and has been a Massachusetts Special State Police Officer since 1981. With his extensive experience and knowledge he is considered by many in the Commonwealth to be the foremost expert in his field.

“Lt. Borgal is an inspiration to all and this honor could not be more deserving,” ARL President Mary Nee said. “His contributions to protecting the safety and well-being of animals throughout the Commonwealth simply cannot be measured.”

Today, Lt. Borgal continues to be a key member of ARL’s Law Enforcement Department. He also assists ARL’s Rescue Services, and loves the hands-on work of rescuing animals in difficult circumstances. Perhaps Lt. Borgal’s most notable rescue was in 1986, when he saved ‘Ruthy’ the Asian Elephant while issuing a search warrant in Essex, MA. ‘Ruthy’ is still alive today and living out her life at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA. After all these years, Lt. Borgal still visits her to this day.

Congratulations to Lt. Alan Borgal for this well-deserved award!

Making a Difference

In 2017, ARL’s Law Enforcement Department investigated cruelty and neglect cases which involved nearly 3,000 animals and resulted in 84 law enforcement prosecutions. If you suspect or witness animal cruelty or neglect, contact ARL Law Enforcement at (617) 226-5610.

We Love our Volunteers!

Volunteer Appreciation Week 2018

Every April, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) dedicates a week to thank each and every one of the 568 volunteers who make our mission and vision possible.

From walking dogs, socializing cats, gathering laundry, cleaning kennels, assisting in shelter operations, even bathing ringworm-infected cats – the tasks our volunteers do impacts the entire spectrum of ARL’s daily operations.

Recognizing Excellence and Dedication

To show our appreciation, celebrations were held in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham; and included staff-choice awards to individual volunteers.

Those who were honored this year include:

  • Best of Boston – Tori Reilly
  • Cape’d Crusader – Graham and Nicki Hird
  • Dedham’s Most Dignified – Elizabeth Schneider and Natalie Gesin
  • Mobile’s Most Marvelous – Andrew Verbitzki and Stacey Coyne
  • ARL’s Unsung Hero – Scott Kreiger and Elain Heilemann
  • Admin’s Above and Beyond – Marna Terry
  • Our Four Footed Friends Favorite Foster Parent – Judy Komarow

Congratulations to all, and thank you for all you do for animals in need!

Additionally, each award ceremony now includes a volunteer’s choice award for a stand-out staff member:

  • Boston – Caitlin Phillips
  • Brewster – Veronica Sarmento
  • Dedham – Jenna Illingworth

Volunteer Opportunities

ARL is always looking for those willing to lend their hands and hearts for animals in need. If interested, please visit our volunteer page to see what opportunities are available!

A Life-Saving Phone Call

ARL Recognizes Eversource Employee

This week the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) welcomed a “hero among us” to its Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center, for life-saving actions taken this past winter.

In late February, Eversource employee Susan Sweeney was in Rochester, MA on a routine service call, but her day turned out to be anything but routine.

Posting a notice on the door of the home, she heard barking and when she looked inside she saw two dogs living in deplorable conditions and in desperate need of help. Taking decisive action, Sweeney contacted the Rochester Police Department.

“I’m a dog lover, I’ve always had a dog,” Sweeney said. “But anyone in that situation would have done the same thing once they saw those dogs.

Rochester police and Animal Control responded to the residence, and immediately removed the dogs, who were then transferred to ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Bentley, a two-year-old Pit Bull-type dog, was severely dehydrated and emaciated, weighing in just a shade over 20 pounds. Nine-year-old Astro fared slightly better, while showing signs of malnourishment, his weight and body condition was close to normal.

Over a period of weeks, the animals slowly and safely put the weight back on and were soon made available for adoption. To no one’s surprise, both Astro and Bentley quickly found their forever homes and are now thriving.

This positive outcome would not have been possible without Susan Sweeney’s actions.

“She did what we hope everyone would do in that circumstance,” ARL President Mary Nee said. “She saw unacceptable conditions and contacted police immediately – these animals survived because of her actions.”

Report Cruelty and Abuse

While ARL has been combatting animal cruelty and neglect for 119 years, the case of Astro and Bentley shows that unfortunately there’s still work to be done. In 2017, ARL Law Enforcement investigated nearly 350 cases, and 316 animals involved in animal neglect and cruelty situations were confiscated or surrendered to ARL. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty or neglect, contact local law enforcement immediately. Your actions may just save a life.

April 8-14 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Education, Awareness are Keys to Prevention

There are an estimated 70 million dogs in the United States, and every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million dog bites are reported – 20 percent of which require medical attention.

The CDC goes on to estimate that at least half of dog bite victims are children.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) wants to take this opportunity during National Dog Bite Prevention Week to remind dog owners that learning behavioral signs and properly training and socializing your animal can go a long way in drastically reducing these statistics.

When it comes to behavior, it’s important to recognize when a dog is becoming uncomfortable. Some of the signs include:

  • Panting
  • Yawning
  • Cowering
  • Holding its breath
  • Flattening its ears
  • Growling
  • Snapping
  • Curling upper lip

When a dog gives these cues, it’s important to back off immediately. Too often these signs are ignored and result in a bite.

Teaching Children

It’s important to teach children not to approach a strange dog; however, it should be noted that not only strange dogs bite. Even a family pet can bite if it feels frightened, threatened, or is in pain. Parents should consider supervising a child’s interactions with dogs, while teaching the aforementioned behavioral cues.

Training and Socialization

Training and socializing with people and other animals is vital to having a puppy become a well-mannered adult dog. Have questions? You can always contact ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666.

ARL also offers a number of training courses covering a variety of areas including basic manners, commands, social skills and mental enrichment exercises. Courses are offered at ARL’s Boston location, and reduced rates are offered (first-time only!) to dogs adopted from ARL within the previous six months, and for Boston Veterinary Care clients.

Band Removal, Amputation Put Two Birds Back on the Adoptable Perch

This past week, Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) veterinarians performed surgeries on two colorful birds with colorful names, in an effort to fix lingering injuries and put them on a track towards finding forever homes.

In Boston, Neil Young, a beautiful 10-15-year-old cockatiel, was suffering from a leg band that had embedded into the bird’s skin. Adding further irritation to the cockatiel, a significant amount of debris was found underneath the band.

ARL’s shelter veterinary staff surgically removed the band, cleaned the wound underneath, and is healing nicely. Unfortunately Neil Young does appear to have permanent nerve damage to the foot, but is able to compensate without issue and is now ready to find his forever home! UPDATE — Neil Young is adopted and has left the building! 

In Dedham, Sir Ellington, a one-year-old white pigeon, was found as a stray in Dorchester. He was covered in black oil, and after removing the oil from his feathers, it was noted that he was not perching normally and was only using one of his legs.

The middle toe on Sir Ellington’s left leg was swollen and painful, and x-rays revealed that he had a displaced fracture of his middle left toe.

Performing the first bird surgery at ARL’s Dedham facility, Sir Ellington was sedated and the middle toe was removed. After a week of pain medication and antibiotics, the young pigeon is comfortably walking and perching!

Why Adopt a Bird?

Birds make great pets, particularly if you’re facing time or space constraints.

Here are 5 reasons why adopting a bird may make sense for you:

  1. You’ll have someone to talk to. Because of their above average intelligence, birds are very communicative and love to socialize with humans.
  2. You’ll have fun training them. Since 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 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.
  4. 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.
  5. You’ll save money. Most landlords only charge “pet fees” to tenants with cats or dogs. Additionally, at the ARL, all of this is included in your pet’s adoption fee: health screening and veterinary exam, behavioral screening and evaluation, vaccinations, parasite treatment, and more!

Ready to Adopt?

Visit an ARL Animal Care and Adoption Center in Boston, Brewster, or Dedham and find your perfect match today! Dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals, your furry or feathered friend is waiting for a place to call home.

 

ARL Clinic Brings Services Directly to Community

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) recently launched a weekly, low-cost pet wellness clinic to serve pet owners in Dorchester. Pet owners have taken notice as the ARL Pet Wellness Clinic – Codman Square has grown incrementally since its opening.

The clinic offers high-quality services, impactful cost-savings as well as ease of access for pet owners – services are brought directly to the community.

For just $10, services administered by ARL veterinary staff include:

  • Physical exam
  • Rabies vaccine
  • Distemper vaccine
  • Flea treatment
  • Microchip

Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston, the clinic services reflect a cost-savings of more than $200 for cat owners, and $275 for dog owners. Click here to read a special report by the Dorchester Reporter!

ARL hosted a recent tour of the clinic! Top row from left to right: Sima Thakkar, PetSmart Charities; Sam Fincke, ARL; Mary Nee, ARL President; Cheryl Traversi, ARL; Reginald Jean, Dorchester YMCA; Betsy Jones, ARL volunteer. Bottom row from left to right: Sherisse Mayala, Boston Housing Authority; Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL; Henry Pimental, Codman Academy intern.

“The services were great,” Dorchester resident Ryan Joyce said. “I take my dog (Finn) for regular vet visits, but it costs hundreds of dollars. This was a great opportunity to keep Finn healthy and save a lot of money in the process.”

Services are open to all residents of Dorchester, and while walk-ins are welcome, appointments can be made by calling (857) 413-5964. In order to receive services, dogs must be leashed, and cats must be in a carrier.

This initiative is made possible by a grant from PetSmart Charities, and in partnership with the Dorchester YMCA of Greater Boston, and the Codman Academy Charter School.

“We are overjoyed for the opportunity to be able to bring these vital services right into the community where they’re needed,” said ARL President and Dorchester resident, Mary Nee. “Through support and partnerships, we are able to promote pet health, as well as pet retention.”

Why Codman Square

This geographic region was chosen based on ARL-collected data regarding pet and community animal needs, as well as the richness in community-based institutions in the area. ARL’s work has included extensive community outreach, public pet care workshops, and a survey regarding what it’s like to own a pet in Codman Square. The three main components of this initiative are; community-based pet education, community-based animal care services, and partnerships with human service organizations to support the inclusion of pets as part of the family unit.

Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities

The clinic is part of ARL’s broader community effort, the Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative. Established in 2017, the Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative is centered in Dorchester’s historic Codman Square Neighborhood, and connects the work of ARL for animals with community organizations for the benefit of both animals and people. The Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities Initiative is supported by generous grants from the Cummings foundation, and Jane’s Trust.

Follow These 4 Pet Safety Tips for a Hoppy Easter

Keep your pets safe during the festivities

Spring is in the air (finally) and what better way to celebrate than with colorful eggs, bright flowers, and bunny-shaped chocolate–besides, perhaps, adding a new furry member to your family!

Spring Into Love and consider adopting an animal from the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)! When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. All adoptable animals at the ARL also receive:

    • Spay or neuter services
    • Health screening and veterinary examination
    • Behavior screening and evaluations
    • Vaccinations and flea/tick/mite treatment
    • Microchip identification and registration

Search adoptable animals now and learn more about ARL’s Adoption Forward process.

With the Easter and Passover holiday upon us, remember that your pets will be curious about the new decorative items and delish goodies that you bring into your household. Be sure to keep these 4 pet safety tips in mind during the festivities:

  1. Leave lilies at the store. Although beautiful and iconic to Easter, a lily’s leaf, pollen, and flower are highly toxic if ingested by cats. Make sure to keep a special eye on cats as their excellent climbing skills can give them easy access to flowers and plants.
  2. Keep fake grass, candles, and other decorations out of reach. When your pet ingests stringy objects like ribbons or Easter basket grass, they can become wrapped around the base of the tongue or stomach and cause serious intestinal issues. Ceremonial Passover candles should be monitored at all times to prevent pets’ fur from catching fire.
  3. Chocolate and candy are a no-no. Chocolate, especially the darker bitter kind, is poisonous to pets. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and death. Many candies and gums contain the sugarless sweetener Xylitol, which is also highly toxic to pets–Xylitol is sometimes referred to as “Birch Sugar” on packaging.
  4. Hide eggs from your pets too. Secure pets during Easter egg hunts or other activities where plastic eggs or other small objects can be ingested. Consuming real eggs can cause illness as well if they have spoiled. Keep your pet busy with toys and treats and don’t forget to pick up all hidden gems once the activity is over.

From everyone at the ARL, Happy Easter and Passover!

Justice for Puppy Doe

Defendant Found Guilty, Will Serve 8-10 Years

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is pleased to report that the man convicted of inflicting horrific and ultimately fatal injuries to the dog forever known as Puppy Doe, will spend the next 8-10 years in prison for these acts of cruelty.

Radoslaw Czerkawski, a 35-year-old Polish National, was convicted of 12 individual counts of animal cruelty.

ARL thanks and is grateful to Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey and his staff, the Quincy Police Department, and everyone whose hard work, dedication, and determination, led to this conviction.

From the outset, Puppy Doe’s death would not be in vain. She now has peace, but she continues to be a light to move forward in continuing efforts to improve animal protection laws in Massachusetts; we owe it to her to never allow such an atrocity to happen again.

“Today was a historic day for animal welfare in Massachusetts,” said ARL President Mary Nee. “With the conviction and sentencing of Radoslaw Czerkawski, it has been demonstrated that people who commit animal cruelty, and in this case extreme cruelty, will be held accountable. Ironically Puppy Doe’s short and tragic life was the impetus for stronger laws protecting all animals in the Commonwealth.”

Protecting Animals in Massachusetts

The discovery of Puppy Doe and the subsequent investigation that followed sparked conversation throughout the Commonwealth on what could be done to prevent anything like this from happening again.

In 2014, the PAWS Act was passed, which stiffened fines and penalties, required veterinarians to report suspicions of abuse to authorities (keep in mind if the veterinarian who initially treated Puppy Doe hadn’t had the foresight to report her findings to ARL, this case may have never seen the light of day), and established the Animal Cruelty and Protection Task Force, who was charged with providing future protections for animals in Massachusetts.

Currently, PAWS II, which derived directly from the task force’s recommendations, was recently passed in the Massachusetts Senate, and will soon be debated in the House. If passed, this bill would further strengthen animal protection laws in the state.

Puppy Doe Background

On August 31, 2013, after Puppy Doe was found by Quincy Animal Control and rushed to the South Shore VCA for treatment. Due to the extreme nature of her injuries, she was humanely euthanized. Fortunately, the attending veterinarian, Dr. Duffy, recognized the trauma this animal had endured and reported it to ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement, Lt. Alan Borgal, who dispatched ARL Rescue Services to transport her to the organization’s Boston facility, where a necropsy was performed.

Subsequently, Quincy Police were notified and the necropsy findings sent to the offices of Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey. Presented with the necropsy findings, which detailed an unprecedented level of abuse and torture, the Norfolk DA and the Quincy Police immediately began an investigation including appeals to the public for information related to the perpetrator of this horrific abuse.

During the investigation and the trial, ARL provided assistance to Quincy and Norfolk officials.

The amount of hours and manpower put into this single case of animal cruelty cannot be calculated and ARL commends everyone who fought to give Puppy Doe a voice.

Additionally, this case illustrates the importance of veterinarians and the public reporting animal abuse and neglect. We are all advocates for animals, and if an inhumane act is witnessed or even suspected, it’s imperative to contact local law enforcement immediately to remove the animal from the situation.

Again, ARL would like to thank everyone involved to bring justice for Puppy Doe, and may she now rest in peace.