Former Assistant U.S. Attorney to serve as ARL’s new director of advocacy

Please join us in welcoming aboard Nadine Pellegrini, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s very first director of advocacy! In her new role, Nadine will provide leadership and direction on our organization’s advocacy agenda.

A Natick-resident, Nadine is an animal lover who has two pet dogs and a horse. Her passion for animal welfare rounds out the many talents she brings to the ARL.

“I’m honored to join an organization that does so much to support the health and safety of animals in our community,” says Nadine Pellegrini, ARL’s director of advocacy.

“I’m honored to join an organization that does so much to support the health and safety of animals in our community,” says Nadine. “The opportunity to help advance laws and programs that prevent cruelty, neglect, and abuse is especially meaningful to me professionally and personally.”

Nadine worked on a variety of cases during her 20 years with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston. Most recently, she was a member of the U.S. Attorney’s anti-terrorism unit and on the prosecution team for United States vs. Dzhokar Tsarnaev.

She also served as chief of the major crimes unit, prosecuting cases involving enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and more.

After receiving her law degree from Albany Law School of Union University, a keen interest in animal protection led Nadine to pursue a master of science degree in animals and public policy from the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy (CAPP) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

Nadine also taught animal law at Boston College Law School and given lectures on federal wildlife protection at CAPP.

“Nadine’s extensive knowledge of law enforcement and experience prosecuting crimes will help immenselyas the ARL moves legislation and policy discussion forward to improve the protection and treatment of animals in Massachusetts,” explains Mary Nee, president of the ARL.

Please help us give a warm welcome to Nadine Pellegrini, ARL’s first director of advocacy!

ARL president Mary Nee joins other to push for House Bill 3930

Yesterday, more than 150 animal advocates and members of The Citizens for Farm Animal Protection Coalition gathered inside of the Massachusetts State House to attend a legislative hearing for House Bill 3930.

More than 150 animal advocates and members of The Citizens for Farm Animal Protection Coalition gathered  inside the Massachusetts State House.

The bill would ensure that egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves in Massachusetts would 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 our state are compliant with these modest standards.

At the February 11 hearing, ARL president Mary Nee joined other in voicing their support for HB 3930 in front of state officials and the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

In her testimony, Mary urged committee members to take up the legislation because, “No animal should spend their entire life in distress without the basic freedoms to stand up, sit down and turn around.”

THE NEXT STEP…
The Committee has until early May to make a decision on legislation.  We will provide updates to our supporters on the decision as we receive them!

TAKE ACTION FOR ANIMALS!

Contact legislators on the committee and urge them to take action on House Bill 3930.

ARL and MEMA urge Massachusetts residents and their pets to stay indoors

Dangerously low temperatures are forecasted for this weekend!

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging residents to take precautions during this period of extreme cold weather and stay indoors. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to serious health issues including frostbite and hypothermia.

MEMA urges residents to minimize outside activities and to follow the same precautions for their furry companions. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets.

Though they may have furry coats, animals are by no means immune to dangerously cold temperatures. Even rabbits, cats, and dogs that typically live outdoors need extra assistance keeping warm as temperatures drop to alarming lows.

The ARL offers 6 steps to keep animals safe during this cold weather warning:

1. If possible, bring pets or feral cats that you’re familiar with indoors to a garage or basement.  If it’s not possible, click here to watch the ARL’s video on making a DIY cat shelter.
   

   Keep community cats safe this winter by building your own DIY cat shelter in your yard. Click the photo for a basic how-to video.

2. Bundle up your pup in a jacket or sweater during their walk, especially if their coat is made of hair (vs. fur). Take our quiz to determine if your pet needs a sweater.
3. Before you start your engine, look under and pound on your vehicle’s hood to wake a napping cat trying to keep warm.
4. Never leave your pet alone inside your vehicle, which won’t stay warm for long after your engine has turned off.
5. Keep a winter pet emergency kit handy. Learn how to make your own simple and inexpensive DIY winter pet emergency kit.
6. If your pet MUST remain outdoors, make sure that are in a winter-friendly shelter that has the following components: three-sided enclosure, stands off the ground, contains generous amounts of bedding, and plenty of (un-frozen!) drinking water. If possible, also make sure that the entrance faces away from heavy winds.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. If you’re concerned about a neighborhood animal outdoors in the cold this week, be sure to contact your local animal control office or authorities.

For more information about winter pet healthy and safety, visit arlboston.org/winter-pet-health.

Dear friends,

I wanted to share some very sad news about Stitch, the young dog found starved and abandoned last week in Dedham.

As sometimes happens with cases of extreme malnutrition, Stitch was not responding well to re-feeding, a medically-guided process of providing nutrition after a period of deprivation.  To ensure he had no underlying conditions that might be interfering with re-feeding efforts, the ARL ordered extensive diagnostic tests.

“Stitch closed out his short life with dignity, respect, and love — the way a dog should be treated.” Lt. Alan Borgal, director, ARL law enforcement team.

Late on Friday evening, the tests revealed that Stitch had a muscular condition affecting his ability to digest food and water called megaesophagus.

Several diseases can result in megaesophagus.  An animal can also be born with a defect that produces it.

Unfortunately, the results of further testing ruled out the more treatable causes of this condition in Stitch.

When he was unable to take water on his own any longer on Saturday, Stitch’s weakened state and the severity of this condition brought us to the point where the most humane decision was to put him to sleep.

As Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the ARL’s law enforcement team said very eloquently, “Stitch closed out his short life with dignity, respect, and love — the way a dog should be treated.”

While we are heartbroken he came to us too late to save, we are grateful to have been there to surround him with kindness and caring in his final days.

Thank you to everyone who kept Stitch in their thoughts this past week and for your continued concern for animals in need.

— Mary

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Stitch’s case is an on-going investigation. If you have any information, contact Dedham animal control at (781) 751-9106.

ARL and the Dedham Police Department’s Animal Control Division thank public for support

HAVE TIPS AND INFORMATION? Contact Dedham Animal Control at (781) 751-9106.

Stitch, the dog abandoned in the cold earlier this week in Dedham, Massachusetts, continues to receive intensive care from the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL).

Dedham animal control officer Jayson Tracy discovered the extremely emaciated dog and immediately contacted the ARL for help.

“Stitch is getting extensive medical assistance,” explains Dr. Erin Doyle, the ARL’s lead veterinarian for shelter veterinary services. “He’s still very weak and we are monitoring his condition very closely.”

The ARL also continues to assist the Dedham Police Department’s Animal Control Division in following-up on information provided by the public.

Stitch is a dilute brindle pit-bull-type dog that had no collar on when he was found near the Bridge Street area of Dedham.  He is approximately 2 years of age.

We urge anyone with information about him to please contact Dedham animal control at (781) 751-9106.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING….

Sadly, thousands of animals just like Stitch will suffer from abuse and neglect every year in Massachusetts. We all have a role to play in prevention and encourage urge the public to contact their local animal control officers anytime they suspect animal cruelty.

On behalf of everyone at the ARL, THANK YOU for the outpouring of support and information about Stitch.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE STITCH?  Please contact Dedham Animal Control at (781) 751-9106.

The ARL asks pet owners to please bring their animals inside, when possible

Our local weathermen issued a cold weather warning: bundle up this week!

A wave of frigid air hit New England, causing temperatures to plummet 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit below normal around The Greater Boston Area. Overnight temps are expected to drop into the teens and single digits in some of the northern and western suburbs.

Just as you’ll protect yourself with a warm coat, hat, and gloves when you head outdoors, your pets will need the extra protection too! Though they may have furry coats, animals are by no means immune to dangerously cold temperatures. Even rabbits, cats, and dogs that typically live outdoors need extra assistance keeping warm as temperatures drop to alarming lows.

5 steps to keep animals safe during this cold weather warning:

1. If possible, bring pets or feral cats that you’re familiar with indoors to a garage or basement.
   

   Keep community cats safe this winter by building your own DYI cat shelter in your yard. Click the photo for a basic how-to video.

2. Bundle up your pup in a jacket or sweater during their walk, especially if their coat is made of hair (vs. fur)
3. Before you start your engine, look under and pound on your vehicle’s hood to wake a napping cat trying to keep warm.
4. Never leave your pet alone inside your vehicle, which won’t stay warm for long after your engine has turned off.
5. If your pet MUST remain outdoors, make sure that are in a winter-friendly shelter that has the following components: three-sided enclosure, stands off the ground, contains generous amounts of bedding, and plenty of (un-frozen!) drinking water.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. If you’re concerned about a neighborhood animal outdoors in the cold this week, be sure to contact your local animal control office or authorities.

For more information about winter pet healthy and safety, visit arlboston.org/winter-pet-health.

For the next 12 hours, generous donor will match $12k of your donations

There are just 10 DAYS left to make a difference for animals in need in 2015.

Now’s the time to make a donation…

Moved by the compassionate care and chance at a better  life the ARL gave his rescue pets, the chairman of the ARL’s Board of Directors Malcolm McDonald will match up to $12,000 in donations to the ARL for the next 12 hours,TODAY ONLY.

Every day, Malcolm personally witnesses how critical the ARL’s important work is to animals in our community. He sees the impact not only as the chairman of the board, but also as a proud pet parent:

Over the years, Millie and Henry became the best of friends.

“All of my pets were saved from very difficult circumstances by the ARL…

My family’s cat Millie’s owner passed away, and she was surrendered multiple times for being too timid.

Our cat Henry was abandoned in a boarded up home after his owner had passed.

Our cat Max was a ward of the court after the Boston Police Department and the ARL’s law enforcement team saved him from an abusive home.

Our newest addition, Hazel, a Shar Pei mix, came from a hoarding situation.”

Large or small, your donation TODAY will make an even BIGGER difference for animals in need…

Recently adopted Hazel now has a home to call her own and a kitty brother named Max!

At the ARL, a love for animals inspires us to do more.

Whether you’re talking about our incredible volunteers, dedicated staff members, our dear friend and Board chair Malcolm, or generous supporters like you, everyone is committed to going the extra mile to give animals in need a chance at a better life.

DONATE NOW

The clock is ticking and the ARL still needs to raise $787,300 before the end of the year!

The ARL receives no government or public funding and relies entirely on the support of people like you to provide assistance when and where animals need help most.

If you love and care about animals, or if the ARL has made an impact on the special pets in your life, show  your support by making a donation today!

Visit arlboston.kintera.org/clockticking or click on the DONATE button below to make a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Boston!

A WARM AND FUZZY THANK YOU to Malcolm McDonald, chairman of the ARL’s Board of Directors, and to everyone who has already donated to the ARL in 2015 to help animals in need!