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Boston Residents: Take Action for Animals TODAY!

Ask your district councilor to support the Puppy Mill Ordinance

Boston residents ONLY: Contact your district councilor TODAY and ask them to support the Puppy Mill Ordinance!

Boston residents ONLY: Contact your district councilor TODAY and ask them to support the Puppy Mill Ordinance!

City Councilor Matt O’Malley is pushing the Boston City Council to vote TODAY on THE PUPPY MILL ORDINANCE, prohibiting Boston’s pet shops from selling puppies, kittens and rabbits and the roadside sales of these animals.

If you live in the City of Boston, you can help!

Please contact your district councilor and all four at-large councilors NOW to ask them to support THE PUPPY MILL ORDINANCE.

IF YOU ARE A BOSTON RESIDENT ONLY, follow these 2 important steps:

  1. Contact your one district councilor (see list below). If you are not sure who your district councilor is, look him/her up here: http://www.cityofboston.gov/myneighborhood/ (click on “details” after putting in your address).
  2. AND contact Councilors Essaibi-George, Flaherty, Pressley and Wu (they all represent you as at-large councilors).

If Councilor O’Malley represents you, please thank him for his support for animals in need in Boston!

THANK YOU for taking action for animals in Massachusetts!

ARL’s Dr. Schettino answers FAQs about spay/neuter

ARL’s Dr. Schettino answers FAQs about spay/neuter

Let’s face it: there’s nothing cool about pet overpopulation.

Dr. Edward Schettino with Moose, an ARL alum from the Boston shelter.

Dr. Edward Schettino with Moose, an ARL alum from the Boston shelter.

According to Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL’s vice president of animal welfare, a large portion of the animals coming to ARL shelters every year are a result of unplanned or abandoned litters of puppies and kittens. “If we can increase spay and neuter rates then we can help prevent pet overpopulation in a very humane way.”

Despite all the health benefits of spaying and neutering pets, approximately one third of pet owners still have not brought their pet in to have the procedure.

Dr. Schettino believes that lack of affordable options and lingering myths and misconceptions about the low-risk surgery are two major barriers to increasing spay and neuter rates. In fact, the ARL frequently addresses these concerns with clients at our Boston Veterinary Care clinic and Spay Waggin’.

ARL Blog sat down with Dr. Schettino to find out the most FAQs about spay and neuter. Here’s what he had to say…

ARL Blog: What do you say to a pet owner who’s concerned that spay or neuter surgery is painful?

Dr. Schettino (DS): Pain is associated with every surgery. At the ARL, we use pain medication before, during, and after surgery to make the procedure as pain-free as possible. The majority of dogs and cats are acting 100% normal by the next morning. In fact, the challenging part to the surgery is trying to keep the dog or cat rested when they feel so good.

ARL Blog: Is spay or neuter surgery expensive? What are the local low-cost options/clinics in the area?

DS: Spay/neuter surgeries vary in price depending on location and provider – here’s a link with some great resources – massanimalcoalition.com/resources/spay-neuter. Our Spay Waggin’ also provides affordable spay and neuter services to animals in need on the South Shore and Cape Cod. You can also check with your local veterinarian.

ARL Blog: At what age should dogs/cats be spayed/neutered?

DS: Many veterinarians now spay and neuter dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. You should check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures. And remember, it’s never too late to spay or neuter your pet!

ARL Blog: Should pet owners be concerned that their pet’s behaviors will change after the surgery? Will a male dog, for example, be less of a protector?

DS: Your pet’s behavior will not change. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones. It is a dog’s natural instinct to protect the home and family.

ARL Blog: What can people to do help end animal overpopulation?

DS: Spay and neuter your pet! Always talk to family and friends and explain to them the benefits of spay/neuter–tell them it’s hip to snip! Help them understand that this will benefit their pet as well as help prevent animal overpopulation. Additionally, people can donate to their favorite animal welfare charity to help support  spay/neuter efforts.

 

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

The ARL Welcomes Nadine Pellegrini

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.

nadine pellegirini

“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!

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.

Debunked: Common Spay and Neuter Myths

ARL’s Dr. Schettino shares the awesome truth about spaying/neutering your pet

IT’S HIP TO SNIP! The ARL wants to break down barriers to getting pets spayed and neutered this February during National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.

According to Dr. Schettino, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL, the cost of spay and neuter surgery is a major barrier for many pet owners. Spay and neuter surgery at a private veterinary clinic in Massachusetts can range up to several hundred dollars.

To bring affordable spay and neuter services to more animals in need, the Ellen B. Gray Memorial Fund has challenged us to raise $20,000 in just 14 days during the It’s Hip to Snip Fund Drive. All donations made during the fund drive will benefit the ARL’s community spay/neuter programs including the Spay Waggin,’ the ARL’s mobile surgical unit.

DONATE NOW to bring spay and neuter services to more animals in need.

Many misconceptions pet owners have about the low-risk surgery also stand in the way of increasing spay and neuter rates.

In a recent Twitter chat, Dr. Schettino debunked the 7 most common spay/neuter myths:

Myth #1: I don’t want my male dog or cat to feel like “less of a male.”
Fact: Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality.

Myth #2: I want my children/family to see my pets experience the miracle of birth.
Fact: Complications can and do occur during the birthing process. Teach children/family members that all life is precious and by spaying and neutering your pet, he/she will lead a healthier, longer life.

Myth #3: It’s better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.
Fact: This is false. Females who are spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.

Myth #4: My pet is a purebred and I should breed him/her.
Fact: Your pet may be a purebred, but so is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters throughout the country. Purebreds and their offspring are no exception and be spayed and neutered as well.

Myth #5: My pet will get fat and lazy.
Fact: Pets get fat and lazy because their owners overfeed them and don’t provide enough exercise, not because they are spayed or neutered.

Myth #6: My dog (or cat) is so special. I want a puppy/kitten just like her/him.
Fact: Your pet’s puppies or kittens will not be a carbon copy of your pet.

Myth #7: It’s expensive to have my pet spayed
Fact: Many affordable options exist. Check out the ARL’s spay/neuter resources to find one in your area.

Advocates Show Support at Farm Ballot Hearing Yesterday

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.

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.

Extreme Cold Weather Warning In Effect

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.
    cold weather warning

    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.

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.
Important Update from Mary Nee, ARL President

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.

dedham dog

“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.

It’s Hip to Snip – Spay or Neuter Your Pet!

February is National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

During National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month this February, the ARL reminds the public that there’s nothing cool about pet overpopulation. So, pet owners, adjust those cool shades and help us spread the word that IT’S HIP TO SNIP!

it's hip to snip

Marty the cat may look super cool in his bow tie but there’s nothing cool about pet overpopulation. Click his photo to learn more about ARL’s “It’s Hip to Snip” Campaign.

“There are too many cat and dogs in our communities that don’t have homes,” explains Dr. Edward Schettino, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL. “Every year, animal shelters like the ARL are inundated with stray and surrendered puppies and kittens that are the result of unplanned litters.”

In fact, national studies have found that amongst pet owners who indicate that their pets had at least one litter, 59% of cat owners and 38% of dog owners described the litter as “unintentional” or “accidental.”

Dr. Schettino believes that one reason that pet owners choose not to spay or neuter their pet is misconceptions about the low-risk surgery. “If we can increase spay and neuter rates, we can help prevent pet overpopulation,”

In addition to the benefits to the community, here are 5 more reasons why it’s hip to snip:

1. You Snip, You Save. The cost of caring for an unplanned litter of puppies or kittens far outweighs the cost of having a pet spayed or neutered. The good news – there are many affordable and free options in Massachusetts!

2. Snipping Reduces Spraying. Neutering resolves the vast majority of marking behaviors—even when a cat has a long-standing habit. Other nuisance behaviors such as howling in cats and excessive barking in dogs eases and even disappears after surgery.

HipToSnip_Flyer_Thumb

Sharing is caring! Click the photo to download our flyer to spread the word that “It’s Hip to Snip”.

3. Snipping Stops Scuffles. According to the National Canine Research Foundation, approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering male dogs and cats reduces their urge to roam and fight with other males.

4. Snipping Lengthens Life Span. The USA Today reports neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed females live 23% longer than unspayed females.

5. Snipping is a Safeguard. Neutering male cats and dogs before six months of age prevents testicular cancer. Spaying female cats and dogs before their first heat offers protection from uterine infections and breast cancer.

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

DID YOU KNOW… That more than a third of pet owners have not spayed or neutered their pet?

VERY SPECIAL THANKS to our It’s Hip to Snip media sponsors WBZ, WEEI, WRKO, WZLX, WBOS, and 98.5 The Sports Hub!