Our Four-Footed Friends Fall/Winter 2019

OUR FOUR-FOOTED

Friends Fall/Winter 2019

Happy clients wait for their wellness exams on ARL's new mobile clinic.

and how you help them

120

TH

ANNIV

ER S A R Y

A Champion for Animals Since 1899

OUR MISSION The Animal Rescue League of Boston is an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes.

We carry out our mission through the following programs: Advocacy Animal Care & Adoption Centers (Boston, Dedham, & Brewster) Anti-Cruelty Law Enforcement Community Programs Boston Veterinary Care Field Services Community and Shelter Medicine Spay Waggin’ (Affordable Spay & Neutering) Wellness Waggin' (Affordable Veterinary Services)

The Animal Rescue League of Boston does not receive government grants or public funding and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to help animals in need.

Contents Message from ARL's President, 2 Mary Nee 4

ARL Partners with ABCD to Expand Community Program

6

"Excitable" Waylon Finds His Forever Home

8

10

Taming Tiny Tigers

Welcoming Your Adopted Dog Into Your Home

12

Paws to Celebrate...

Around the State

13

14

People & Paws

Izzy Benefits from Free Spay/Neuter Services

16

Training Others to Spot and Report Animal Cruelty

18

Remembering Ben

19

The Kennel 9 — Nine Things to Consider Before You Board Your Pet

VOLUME 126 Fall/Winter 2019 Our Four-Footed Friends is a publication of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116. Please address all editorial and subscription correspondence to us at the address above, attention Our Four-Footed Friends Managing Editor.

Managing Editor: Lisa Graham | Photographers: Angela Altobelli; Margot Andreasen; Mike DeFina Contributing Writers: Mike DeFina; Lisa Graham; Mary Nee; Jackie Smith

Message from ARL's President

Dear Friends,

2

As I write this letter, we are closing in on a week that saw three cases where animals were living in deplorable conditions, in which ARL either led or assisted local police with the investigation and confiscation.

It started with tips coming in about a breeding facility in Middleboro. We found 24 dogs, a peacock, donkey, ducks, and chickens living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions in a commercial kennel. The owner had more than double the number of animals approved by his license. Right now, we have all of these animals in our care and are evaluating their condition.

Charges in this case are anticipated.

The next case involved a 97-year-old women found in extremely poor physical and mental condition, overwhelmed by dozen of cats living in her home. The conditions were so bad that local officials have condemned the house. At this time, we have taken in 38 cats and anticipate trapping another dozen living on this property.

Thankfully, state agencies have intervened to get the woman some help for her welfare while ARL is evaluating and treating the cats in order to make them ready for adoption.

Finally, the week ended with a video on Facebook showing a man beating a small female dog – that had just given birth eight weeks earlier. The mother and her three pups are now in our care and doing well, and the New Bedford police have charged the man in the video with animal cruelty.

Sadly, this is not an unusual week at ARL. We are called upon to respond to these reports all the time.

When these calls come in, invariably at a 5pm on a Friday, teams of ARL staff and volunteers jump into action, working into the wee hours of the morning, moving animals to safety.

I share these stories with you because your support for ARL ensures that humane law enforcement officers, field services agents, veterinarians, and staff and volunteers are in place, supported by vehicles, equipment, and supplies to respond to these calls.

When you give an unrestricted gift to ARL, you are making sure that we are ready to respond to save animals from suffering, holding perpetrators accountable.

In the pages that follow, you will read about many extraordinary programs ARL has launched that help traumatized animals recover and find forever homes. You will meet Waylon, a one-year-old "excitable dog" that benefitted from our Behavior and Enrichment program and is now adopted! You will also note the new staff and volunteer effort to socialize semi-feral kittens called "Taming Tiny Tigers", to give these tiny creatures a pathway home.

Responding to crisis is important, but we also believe that strengthening law and public policy for animals is critical to preventing or mitigating these horrible cases. That is why ARL has spent much of this year at the State House, advocating for legislation to mandate statewide regulations of kennels, and prohibiting both the sale of puppies and kittens under eight weeks old, and all roadside sales of animals.

It is not widely understood, but there are no statewide regulations governing commercial kennels. You will read about the tragic case of Ben, who was at a kennel while his family was away. Ben’s owner left detailed instructions for his care, which were ignored, and he was horribly

mauled by another dog that he should never have had contact with. Kennel regulations are desperately needed to protect animals like Ben and his family. In the meantime, ARL has launched a public information campaign, The Kennel-9: Nine things to consider before you board you pet, to let people know that you need to be your pet’s most diligent advocate, carefully questioning operations and safety of boarding and day care facilities.

On a happier note, I am thrilled to share in this edition ARL’s partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) to bring pet wellness clinics to residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. I would welcome anyone who wants to see these clinics in action to give us a call. Witnessing the response from community members who struggle with financial resources, but remain determined to have their beloved pets receive veterinary care is so heartwarming. These clinics reconfirm for me all the time we are on the right track, working to keep pets safe and healthy in community with the people that love them.

I hope this edition of OFFF is informative and gives you a good sense of the impact your contribution makes for animals in our community. As we head into the last quarter of the year, we are working hard to reach our fundraising goals to ensure we are ready to answer that call on a Friday evening.

We can only do this with your support, so I hope you will keep ARL and the animals in our care in your thoughts as you make your year-end charitable gifts. I guarantee you that your donations will be put to work immediately to help save thousands of vulnerable animals from cruelty, neglect and abuse.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Welcome to our new Board Chair, Walter!

A supporter, volunteer, and foster parent for many years, Walter was elected to the Board in 2015 – and deepened his commitment to ARL by joining the Leadership Council and serving as Board Co-Chair.

A graduate of Tufts University, Walter is now retired after a 30-year career in Investment Industry sales, where he specialized in relationship management and assembling distribution networks for asset management firms.

Walter lives in Boston with his wife Elizabeth and their two cats Mia and Theo.

"ARL has a long and proud history of helping animals in need, and animals have been a major source of happiness and enrichment throughout my life. So I am very pleased to help guide an organization that does so much to help animals and the people who care for them."

- Walter Kenyon

Mary Nee President

3

ARL Partners with ABCD to Expand Community Program Pet wellness clinics help over 1,000 pets in Greater Boston

When ARL launched the Healthy Animals, Healthy Communities pilot initiative in 2017, which included a weekly Pet Wellness Clinic in the Codman Square neighborhood of Dorchester, our hope was to expand the program into surrounding areas of need, where there was a lack of access to affordable veterinary services.

Thanks to partnerships with other forwardthinking, local human service organizations, that vision is now a reality. This past summer, ARL formed a groundbreaking partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), bringing animal and human service agencies together with the common goal to

improve the overall health of the communities that both nonprofits serve.

This partnership, coupled with generous funding from PetSmart Charities and the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation, allowed ARL to purchase and outfit a brand new Wellness Waggin’, a state-of-the-art mobile veterinary clinic with dedicated exam and surgical areas.

"Communities are stronger when pets are in them," says Deborah Turcott, Acting President and COO of PetSmart Charities. "What we see with ARL and ABCD is a shining example we hope others will emulate."

I found out about this service at ABCD’s food pantry. This is my second visit to ARL’s Wellness Waggin’; It's something we needed in the community and it’s been a wonderful experience for myself and my pets.

– Iris Z.

4

With the support of these three partners, ARL’s weekly wellness clinics now serve Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan/Hyde Park, launching a new era in delivering high-quality, low-cost services right in Boston neighborhoods. The Wellness Waggin’, parked outside ABCD’s offices, is centrally located and easily accessible for all members of the community.

For just $10, animals receive a wellness exam, vaccinations, nail trim, flea treatment, and a microchip. These services would cost upwards of $300 in a traditional veterinary practice. To date, the clinics have served over 1,000 pets in Greater Boston.

"ARL cares for animals in need and also seeks to help the people who love them," shares ARL’s President Mary Nee. "ARL is thrilled to partner with ABCD to deliver these vital pet wellness services where they’re needed most."

"Making veterinary care accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of where they live or what their income is important," added Sharon Scott-Chandler, Executive Vice President/COO of ABCD. To learn more about the Wellness Waggin’ and ARL’s other community programs, visit www.arlboston.org/pet-community-health

The Wellness Waggin' is really an important service that ARL is offering for the residents of these communities.

– Gwen H.

5

Waylon This one-year-old Sharpei mix graduated from our Good Manners training course with flying colors!

6

Photo by Jessica Dubrowskij - Smile Darling Photography

"Excitable" Waylon Finds His Forever Home Shelter dog thrives due to customized behavior and enrichment plan Whether it’s excessive barking, reactivity to other animals or people, house soiling, or another nuisance behavior, many of the animals that come through our doors present a unique set of challenges. And, since every animal is different, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to tackling behavioral concerns.

ARL’s Shelter Behavior and Enrichment program places emphasis on an important aspect of care that many other shelters aren't able to – an animal’s mental and emotional well-being. This is not only to ensure that animals are happy and comfortable while they’re in our facilities or foster care, but also to prepare them for success in their future home.

One-year-old Waylon is just one of thousands of success stories that ARL sees annually thanks to a dedicated group of behavioral experts, shelter staff, and volunteers.

In April 2019, Waylon was transported to ARL. He was adopted quickly, however, he was surrendered back into our care for being too active for the family, just three months later. He was difficult to control on leash and under-socialized for his age. While Waylon presented some behavioral challenges, there was clearly a trainable dog behind his outbursts.

"Waylon was a textbook case of a dog that exhibits ‘jumpy-mouthy’ and excitable behavior," explains ARL’s Animal Behavior Manager, Laney Nee. “Unfortunately, these types of dogs typically have a longer length of stay with us.”

Waylon's personalized action plan All dogs that enter ARL's Animal Care & Adoption Centers are immediately started on the basic protocols of "rewarding calm behavior" and "automatic sit". This means that if Waylon were to jump or bark when preparing to go outside, his handler would walk away with leash in hand.

Without any cues or commands, Waylon now knows that these actions work against him, and learns to offer more appropriate behaviors.

Waylon quickly fell into place with his routine, but as his stay extended from days to weeks, his stress increased and his behavior deteriorated.

To get Waylon back on track, he was placed on a more structured routine with high-value treats as a reward. We also introduced a head halter to prevent pulling while on walks, and increased his out of kennel time where he could interact more with staff and volunteers.

A structured routine leads to success ARL staff and volunteers quickly got to work in setting up Waylon for success. They incorporated more training tools into his routine including, "the name game", in which his handler would call his name and reward him with a treat for good behavior. Additionally, playtime became more structured as an opportunity to help him overcome his jumpy-mouthy behavior and learn how to control his impluses.

In July of 2019, Waylon found his forever family!

His new owners were counseled on his training plan, which was very transferable to a home setting. In addition to successfully following his training plan at home, Waylon's family enrolled him in our Good Manners training course.

"Many dogs who come to ARL with nuisance behaviors can be retrained successfully," says Laney.

"It’s costly to provide a personalized training plan for every animal, so your donations make these extra efforts possible."

Want to see more behavior transformations?

Your support provides animals with the customized program that they need to thrive. Give now at arlboston.org/donate

7

Taming Tiny Tigers ARL’s new program to socialize feral kittens From January through October of this year, ARL assisted 457 community cats, also known as strays or feral cats living outdoors. Of these cats, 226 were kittens under six months of age.

To give fearful kittens a chance to become adoptable family pets, many of them are placed in ARL’s newly-developed program called Taming Tiny Tigers, which gives staff and volunteers the opportunity to socialize kittens to help increase their trust and reliance on humans.

The program, which launched this past spring, is run by Debby Chaplic, ARL’s Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement, Lisa Lagos, ARL’s Animal Care Manager in Dedham, and Laney Nee, ARL’s Behavior and Enrichment Manager. OFFF sat down with the three of them to find out just what it takes to tame a Tiny Tiger: OFFF: What is a “tiny tiger”?

Lisa: A “tiny tiger” is a kitten who has had limited to no social interactions with humans and the human lifestyle during the first few months of their life. When they are first born, kittens have not yet developed their fear instinct. As they get older, however, that is when they discover the world around them and that being fearful of new things keeps them safe. Working with them during this

primary socialization period is critical to helping them build a positive association with humans.

OFFF: What is the goal of the program?

Lisa: To give fearful kittens a chance to become adoptable family pets.

OFFF: How old are the kittens in this program?

Debby: Most of the kittens are 2-4 months because that is the age when they are more mobile, out-and-about and our Field Services team notices and rescues them.

OFFF: What tactics do you use to help socialize the Tiny Tigers?

Lisa: Trained staff and volunteers interact with them individually during 15-20 minute sessions of socialization several times throughout the day. We mimic behaviors of their mother, pet and massage them, and talk to them softly. We also associate these experiences with positive reinforcement, such as giving them delicious wet, canned food.

OFFF: Where are the Tiny Tigers housed while at ARL? Lisa: The kittens are housed individually during the daytime in a larger cat carrier or a dog crate. We keep them in moderately busy areas to expose them to human life, and frequently offer them wet food and soft treats. They then spend their evenings back in their

Wanda's Success Story

Wanda before

148

ARL’s Field Services rescued four-month-old Wanda and her littermates from a community cat colony (a bunch of cats living outdoors together) in Randolph, MA. When she arrived at ARL, Wanda had her ears flattened and hissed at staff and volunteers from her litter box – a sign that she was afraid of her new surroundings. To engage Wanda in positive human interaction, she was offered a little bit of wet food on a fingertip. Wanda immediately accepted the food, which showed that she was a candidate for the Taming Tiny Tigers program!

kennel with their littermates so they can relax after a busy day socializing.

OFFF: How long do kittens spend in the program before they are considered available for adoption?

Debby: This depends on each individual kitten.

Some kittens realize that trusting us means food and fun play so they continue on that road to adoption.

Others will take a little longer and we simply stay the course as long as they are progressing positively. If at any time we feel this is too stressful for the kitten we will re-assess and adjust things accordingly.

OFFF: What’s the biggest challenge for Tiny Tigers when they enter their new home?

Laney: Change can be more challenging for these kittens even though we have seen huge progress with them in our care. We expect that change may push them right back into their fearful mode, so we spend a lot of time counseling the adopters on the program and provide them with clear direction on how to slowly integrate these kittens into their homes safely.

"Volunteering for the Taming Tiny Tigers program has been very rewarding," says ARL volunteer Rebecca Block. “With consistent attention, I've seen scared and fearful kittens become more relaxed and accepting of human touch and interaction. It's certainly worth the effort and patience!"

Volunteer at ARL! For more information about the Taming Tiny Tigers program or other volunteer opportunities, contact Debby Chaplic at (617) 426-9170, ext 170, or dchaplic@arlboston.org.

She was placed in a crate that exposed her to the sights and noises around her, and received lots of scratching, petting, and yummy wet food. Wanda began to enjoy her handling sessions and let staff and volunteers know it by letting out a relaxing purr. A few days later, a happy and well-socialized Wanda made her way to the adoption floor and found her forever family.

Wanda adopted

15 9

Welcoming Your Adopted Dog into Your Home Tips to help your pup adjust to their new environment Whether it’s excessive barking, reactivity to animals or people, house soiling, or another nuisance behavior, many of the animals that come through ARL's doors present with a unique set of challenges. And, since every animal is different, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to tackling behavioral issues. Follow these tips to help your furry family member settle into their new routine: THE FIRST DAY Bring your dog straight home and do not stop for errands.

Introduce your pup to your family outside, one at a time.

DAILY ROUTINES Place your dog’s crate or bed in the room where you would like them to sleep, not in an uninhabitable area, such as the garage or basement.

Limit visitors to prevent your dog from getting overwhelmed.

Offer your pup 2-3 meals per day. Do not leave a full bowl of food out for them all day long to pick on.

Keep your pup leashed, and lead them into the house for a tour of each room.

Use chew toys and interactive toys to keep your dog physically and mentally busy.

Stay close to home and do not go on major excursions.

Keep walks to 5-10 minutes until you get to know your dog’s behavior and response to stimuli, such as cars, strangers, and squirrels.

Take your dog for bathroom breaks often, even if they are housetrained.

Give your pup quiet time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Prevent anxiety with being left alone by not making a fuss over your comings and goings. Practice leaving your pup in the crate for short periods several times per day.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Commit the first few days to get to know your dog’s habits and personality. It may take several months before you see your pup’s true nature.

Stimulate your dog physically and mentally with positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods Play the “name game” by periodically calling your dog’s name. When they look at you, reward them with a treat.

Manage your dog’s environment so that you set them up to succeed by preventing inappropriate behavior from happening in the first place.

Adopting a Dog from the south?

"They may need additional time to adjust to their new environment," explains ARL’s Animal Behavior Manager, Laney Nee. "Southern dogs have likely never been exposed to city noises, loud trucks, or lots of people.

Any aggressive behavior that they exhibit is simply a reaction to their fear and discomfort and should not be misconstrued as ‘bad’ behavior."

ARL can help with your pet behavior questions!

Contact ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org.

Or learn more at arlboston.org/welcoming-your-new-dog

10

Snow In October 2019, Snow found her perfect family, who understood her need for continued training.

9 11

Paws to Celebrate… Around the State Celebrating ARL’s Leadership Donors This year, ARL launched a series of Paws to Celebrate events in Brewster, Dedham, and Boston. The cocktail receptions, hosted by ARL’s Leadership Council and regional event committees, were a special opportunity for the over 200 leadership donors in attendance to network, celebrate ARL’s 120th anniversary, and discuss our organization’s vision for the future of animal welfare.

Thank you to our event committees!

Boston: Grace Fey, Ellen Forest, Christina Nagler, Chris Primiano, Heather & Park Ridill, and Steve Spiegelberg & Denise Saltojanes

Brewster: Connie & Peter Lacaillade, Patti Lotane, Brooke MacKay, Kim Rodriguez, and Michael Schell Dedham: Cynthia & William Kettyle and Malisa Schuyler A Special thank you to

Connie & Peter Lacaillade, Dr. David J. McGrath, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their lead sponsorship of Paws to Celebrate.

12

People & Paws

1

4

2

6

11

3

7

9

8

10

5

12

1. Dedham Volunteer Appreciation 2. Shelter Regulations & Puppy Mill Hearings 3. 2019 Dedham Flag Day 4. Brewster Volunteer Appreciation 5. Annual Meeting, Walter Kenyon & Malcolm McDonald 6. Boston Pride Parade 7. Appleton Partners Volunteer Day 8. Rue/Gilt Groupe Volunteer Day 9. Boston Volunteer Appreciation 10. Emily Rossetti-McAleer Memorial Golf Tournament 11. Boston City Council Meeting 12. Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar Fundraiser

13

Izzy Benefits from Free Spay/Neuter Services $20,000 PetSmart Charities grant helps 115 of ARL’s clients in need In January, a Dorchester resident noticed a homeless, pregnant female cat roaming around her yard.

"It was really cold, at night, so I took her in and named her, Dory,” explains Emily. “She got along really well with my other cat, who just happens to be a client at Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), ARL’s clinic with a mission."

A few days later, the cat gave birth to a litter of kittens, one of which she named Izzy. Emily knew that Izzy needed care, but was worried about the expense.

ARL answers the call for help Emily contacted ARL right away to describe her dilemma. Fortunately, we were able to connect her with a resource to ease her financial burden so that Izzy could get the care that she desperately needed.

Thanks to a $20,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, Izzy is just one of the 115 cats and dogs that received free spay/neuter surgeries in 2019.

ARL clients, including those patients of the Wellness Waggin’, a mobile veterinary unit serving residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan/Hyde Park, were eligible under this grant.

For the convenience of our clients, owners drop off their pet at a centralized location in their neighborhood. Their cat or dog is brought to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center via the Transport Waggin’ for spay/neuter surgery, and

Izzy is picked up

by ARL in her neighborhood

14

She undergoes spay surgery

then returned to the drop-off location that same afternoon.

“ARL is very accommodating and wants to make sure that your pet is taken care of,” says Emily. "It’s important to know that there are great affordable services available, and that they shouldn’t let cost prohibit them from taking care of their pet."

Making spay/neuter affordable The well-documented benefits of spay/neuter include, improved long-term health; prevention of unwanted litters, which reduces animal homelessness and a decrease in roaming away from home, territorial, or aggressive behavior.

Despite all the health benefits, the cost of surgery is prohibitive for many pet owners living in targeted areas of need, which is why ARL offers several affordable spay/neuter programs including, the Spay Waggin’; Healthy Moms, Happy Litters; and the Community Surgical Clinic in Dedham, which accepts vouchers from the Massachusetts Animal Fund (MAF).

Support ARL’s Spay/Neuter Programs Visit arlboston.org/donate

Izzy recovers

She is returned to her owner, Emily

Carl & Charlie These 3-year-old goats came to our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center as a pair and found their forever home in October 2019.

15 11

Helping Others Spot and Report Animal Cruelty ARL trained over 640 people on the front lines this Summer As a leader in animal welfare, ARL is committed to preventing animal suffering, neglect, and abuse in the Commonwealth. In 2018, ARL’s Special State Police Officers, who have the authority to enforce animal cruelty and neglect laws, investigated cases involving 2,961 animals, which resulted in 56 law enforcement prosecutions.

And while ARL is often the first to respond to these difficult and heartbreaking situations, we cannot do this important work alone. ARL works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and animal control officers to investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty.

This summer, Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL’s Vice President of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services, and Lt. Alan Borgal, ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement, lent their expertise to several State groups on how to spot and report animal cruelty.

16

Massachusetts State Police - ARL was honored to address 171 recruits as part of their extensive training to become police officers. "I guarantee you that this class is going to see animal cruelty in their career, so at least they’ll know who to call and to use the resources that we have," said Lt. Borgal. They discussed topics including, current state animal protection laws and crime scene/evidence protocol. "We want our troopers

In loving memory of

Jackie Louzan

Law Enforcement Coordinator

24 years of dedicated service to ARL

to be mindful of our laws and be able to recognize animal cruelty and abuse," said Massachusetts State Police Academy Commandant, Detective Lt. Michael Baxter.

Massachusetts Disabilities Commission - This human services agency ensures that cities and towns are compliant with all state and federal laws protecting those with disabilities. ARL presented to 100 group members about the link between violence against animals and violence against people – most notably children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

"When you report suspected animal abuse, you may not only be saving the life of the animal, but also preventing violence directed at vulnerable people," said Dr. Schettino.

Animal Control Officers – Approximately 45 officers participated in a lunch-and-learn about Massachusetts General Law, chapter 140, section 174F, dubbed the Too Hot for Spot® law after ARL’s annual pet safety campaign. Passed in 2016, the law prohibits the confinement of any animal in a motor vehicle when extreme heat or cold could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal. The law also amends the anti-tethering statute about how long a dog can be

tethered outdoors. This summer, ARL’s Too Hot for Spot® campaign was shared statewide via 176 outdoor billboards, thanks to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDot) and the International Brothers of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Massachusetts Police Chiefs - ARL participated in a collaborative training to introduce 325 police chiefs to a new animal cruelty curriculum that will be shared with more than 15,000 municipal police officers in 2020. The in-service curriculum will include all aspects of investigating, charging, and prosecuting animal cruelty cases. "ARL considers this curriculum core to our mission to combat animal neglect and abuse," says Dr. Schettino.

Help prevent animal cruelty!

Suspect animal suffering, neglect, or abuse?

Call (617) 426-9170, press 2; or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

17

Remembering Ben ARL pushes for law to prevent kennel-related injuries and deaths Earlier this year, ARL launched its new pet safety campaign, The Kennel-9: Nine things to consider before you board your pet. The launch timing also coincided with proposed legislation aimed at establishing standards for these facilities.

Currently there are no statewide regulations that govern boarding kennels and animal daycare facilities in Massachusetts, which is why ARL and other animal welfare organizations are advocating for standards that would mandate the creation of new state laws to protect pets.

As part of our 2019-2020 legislative agenda, ARL is actively supporting the bill, S. 114, H. 1774: An Act protecting the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns. If passed, this bill would establish regulations within the operation of boarding kennels and daycare facilities such as, staff qualifications, provider/dog ratios, play group size and supervision, facility and maintenance requirements, dog handling, emergency response training, insurance and more. Additionally the legislation would prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old, and prohibit roadside sales of animals.

"I believe that regulations and enforcement might have prevented Ben’s death, or, at a minimum, regulations could have persuaded a jury to hold the kennel owner responsible for his actions," Tracey stated. "I urge the legislature to enact this law so that no other family ever has to experience the pain that my family has endured from having lost our beloved Ben."

Ben happy with his family at home.

ARL Testifies at the State House In June, ARL appeared in front of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government at the Massachusetts State House to advocate for this important piece of legislation.

Testifying in favor of the bill were ARL’s President, Mary Nee, and ARL’s Director of Law Enforcement, Lt. Alan Borgal, alongside Auburn Animal Control.

Joining them was south shore resident Tracey Siciliano, who provided compelling testimony for the committee since she, unfortunately, knows first-hand how the lack of regulations can lead to tragedy.

In 2016, Tracey’s 3-year-old Goldendoodle, Ben, suffered fatal injuries after being attacked by a dog belonging to the owner of a Hanover kennel facility, which has since closed. In addition to dozens of attack wounds, Ben also suffered from heat stroke.

The owner was found "not-guilty" for negligence, due in part to a lack of regulations.

18

Ben after his attack at a local boarding kennel.

With more than 90 animal-related bills filed at the beginning of the two-year legislative session, this hearing was critical to help move the kennel regulations proposal forward. ARL will continue to advocate for this and a dozen more bills aimed to further protect animals in Massachusetts.

Keep Your Pet Safe ARL encourages pet owners to do their research before boarding their cat or dog. Learn more at arlboston.org/the-kennel-9

9 The K ennel

Nine things to consider before you board your pet 1

SEE FOR YOURSELF Can you see the kennels and common areas where your animal will be boarded? During your pet’s stay, can you check on them remotely via webcam?

2

3

SOUND THE ALARM Does the facility have a written emergency response procedure in the event of fire, power outage, or other disaster? Does the kennel have working fire and carbon monoxide detectors, sprinkler systems, and a back-up power generator?

LICENSE, PLEASE Does the kennel have a current operating license issued by a local city or town? According to the license, how many animals can be boarded at one time? How many animals are currently housed?

4

IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY Are you contacted if your animal experiences an unexpected medical condition or injury? Is there a veterinarian on staff, or does the facility have a veterinarian on call? Do you sign a waiver giving permission to have your animal treated?

5

TLC What is the ratio of staff to animals? Is there 24-hour on-site supervision? If not, are animals monitored by video camera?

What training or experience does the staff caring for animals have?

6

7

SOCIAL CIRCLE Do dogs play together in common areas? Are these play groups supervised at all times? Are dogs grouped together by size and/or temperament? Can you choose to have your dog not participate in group activities?

INFECTION PRECAUTIONS Does the facility require up-to-date vaccination records for all boarders? What documentation is required for your pet to be admitted?

8

9

FELINE FRIENDS Does the facility allow cats? Are they separated from the sight and noise of dogs?

GET IT IN WRITING Will the facility give you written documentation of their procedures or confirmation of any special requests for your pet?

Currently there are no state-wide regulations that govern boarding kennels and animal daycare facilities in Massachusetts.

ARL and other animal welfare organizations are advocating for standards that would mandate the creation of new state laws to protect pets.

Learn more at www.arlboston.org/Kennel-9

19

120

TH

ANNIV

ER S A R Y

Thank you for making our work possible for the last 120 years!

A Champion for Animals Since 1899

Everyone has an ARL story.

Share yours on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #ARL120.

This year marks 30 years that I am a contributing supporter. When I was a little girl, I can remember my mother calling ARL to pick up kittens left outside‌ You were always there to help and I am PROUD to be a member of this wonderful organization!

- Patricia P.

We rescued five, yes, five kitties; Kitty, Paisley, Molly, Roxy and Katy.

We’ve been big fundraisers as well with an 18-year history of our golf tournament all to benefit the animals at ARL! - Debi M.

I deliver sheets, towels, bathmats and new toys several times a year to the shelter in Dedham... We have also included ARL in our will.

- Jean H.

Animal Rescue League of Boston 10 Chandler Street Boston, MA 02116-5221

ARL has thrived for the last 120 years thanks in part to inspiring and historic family giving. The Whitney/Marshall families are shining examples of this type of iconic generosity.

Longtime ARL supporter and former Board member, Jane Whitney Marshall, established the Alice. T. Whitney Helping Hands Fund in memory of her grandmother, (a contemporary and friend of ARL Founder, Anna Harris Smith), who became vice president of ARL in 1916 and served on the Board from 1921 until her passing in 1955.

The Fund ensures that limited economic means does not prevent owners from providing vital veterinary care for their pets in treatable medical emergencies.

Thank you for making our work possible!

How you can help: Both homeless animals and family pets with serious medical issues make their way to ARL every day. Thanks to the generosity of Jane Marshall, your gift to provide veterinary care to homeless animals will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 to assist pet owners with limited economic means to receive care at Boston Veterinary Clinic. Visit: support.arlboston.org/ATW

LEAVE YOUR PRINT Join the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society By making a planned gift to ARL—whether through a bequest, gift in your will, or another way—you can make sure that your love and compassion for animals lasts forever.

Animal Rescue League of Boston’s commitment to shaping animal policy and working to “ The understand the root causes of cruelty and neglect reflect the proactive approach we align with.

“

The issues facing animals are not unsolvable, and it’s important that we do something about it.

It’s a start to a better world.

Stephen Spiegelberg and Denise Saltojanes, Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society Members

For more information, visit arlboston.com/anna-harris-smith-legacy-society Have you included, or are you thinking of including ARL in your plans? Let us know so we can thank you!

Please contact Jackie at (617) 226-1508 or jsmith@arlboston.org.

Stay connected with us!

@AnimalRescueLeagueofBoston

@arlboston

www.arlboston.org

@ARLBostonRescue

Animal Rescue League of Boston