Community Corner

Mass. Animals: Pups Stolen During Burglary; Chefs Support Humane Bill; Free Spays for Homeless Pets

This weekly column wraps up the important and interesting animal-related news in Massachusetts.

Puppies Stolen During House Break in Roslindale 

The Boston Police Department are looking to locate puppies that were stolen during a burglary on Washington Street in Roslindale on Sunday, July 13. The victim reported that two eight-week-old, tri-colored female American bully pups were stolen. They are gray, brown and white. 

"The individual in possession of these puppies is NOT wanted at this time; this information is being disseminated for identification purposes only," said BPD. 

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DAR Distributes Spay/Neuter Vouchers for Homeless Dogs and Cats 

Concerned residents and rescue folks can now get vouchers for free spay/neuter services as well as rabies vaccinations  for homeless dogs and cats, as well as dogs and cats owned by low-income families in Massachusetts. 

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“While there are many dogs and cats across the Commonwealth in loving homes, there are many who live in unsafe conditions on their own,” said DAR Commissioner Greg Watson. “The Spay/Neuter Program is an important part in improving the lives of these animals and making our communities safer.”

The Massachusetts Animal Fund partnered with municipal animal control officers to identify the state's most vulnerable animals. Animal homelessness also poses a public safety concern, which costs taxpayers money. Residents can find out more about this fund, and make donations, here. 

North Shore Animal Hospital was the first veterinary practice to sign up as a provider. 

MA Chefs Say No To Tiny Crates 

Michael Levinton, executive chef at Lumiere in Newton, is among 12 well-known chefs in Massachusetts who signed a letter in support of a bill that would prohibit the use of gestation crates for pigs, battery cages for hens and veal crates for calves, reported Boston Magazine. 

Chefs from The Fireplace Restaurant in Brookline, Sweet Cheeks, Coppa, Torro and others penned a letter to lawmakers urging lawmakers to ban the use of these extremely confining cages, pointing out the enormous suffering it causes to these animals, and also the consciousness of the customers who care about the origin of their food. 

Jim Solomon, executive chef at the Fireplace Restaurant in Brookline, delivered the letter to senators, passing out cage-free egg treats, said Boston Magazine. 

The bill sits before the Senate Ways and Means committee. 

Roslindale Animal Shelter Under Investigation for "Disturbing" Conditions 

Many shelter animals did not have bedding and toys, out of date medications were found, there was stale food on the shelves and record-keeping was sporadic. That's what the finding was from the Boston Animal Rescue League after investigating the Roslindale Animal Shelter on Mahler Road, reported the Boston Globe. 

The shelter's director, Mark Ginnangelo, was suspended with pay, and the 35 animals in the shelter were moved. The city is investigating the situation, and Mayor Marty Walsh has asked that the ARLB perform a follow-up assessment, said the Globe. 

Hundreds of Game Birds Seized from Springfield Home 

Quail, pheasant, parrots, chickens, and hundreds of other game birds were transported to the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center and Adoption Center last week after they were removed from a "quiet neighbor's home," reported ABC News. Some 700 birds, in fact. 

Some of the birds were put down because they were sick. Others were sent to the MSPCA farm in Methuen. No charges are being sought, according to ABC, but officials will look into zoning violations. 

Dogs Rescued From Hot Cars 

Despite animal welfare advocates' efforts to remind and inform the public every summer, numerous calls come into police departments for dogs locked in hot cars. Tragically, many reports of dogs dying from being trapped in these cars occurs. 

This past week, concerned citizens and local law enforcement avoided what could have been catastrophic when they rescued dogs from hot cars. 

In Boston, firefighters pulled a pooch from a vehicle on Beacon Street near the public garden last Wednesday, reported WHGH. 

Police rescued a dog named Tuffy from a van after a 60-year-old Maine man locked him in a car while he attended a Vans Warped Tour show at Mansfield's Xfinity Center, reported the Enterprise. He'll face cruelty charges. 

A Taunton couple got a $40 fine after they left their dog locked in a car for 45 minutes during a heat spell while they shopped in a mall, said the Taunton Daily Gazette. Police rescued the dog before fining the couple. 


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