Advocacy Updates: We Are With You

Animal Protection News and Updates from Across the Commonwealth

COVID-19 UPDATE: We recognize the vital role that MSPCA-Angell’s various programs play as a safe haven for animals, especially in times of crisis. As the COVID-19 situation continues to quickly evolve, we want to share with you some changes that we are putting into place at the MSPCA-Angell so we can continue to serve the pets and people of our community while keeping our staff, volunteers, and clients protected. We are committed to being a resource for our community during the outbreak with services and support. Learn more about what we are doing to keep you and our staff safe.

We know many of you—as are we—are struggling to adapt and cope at this stressful and uncertain time. We hope that by continuing to share positive information and ideas to help animals, we can continue help each other through this time.

New Leadership at the MSPCA-Angell

The MSPCA-Angell will have a new President and CEO starting on April 27. Neal Litvack will be replacing Carter Luke, who is retiring on April 3 after 35 years of service. Neal is coming to us from the American Red Cross, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer and where he previously served as their Chief Development Officer, raising funds for disasters. Prior to that, he held executive-level roles spanning marketing, finance, and operations at renowned institutions and companies. Neal’s involvement in the animal world includes serving on the board of PetSmart Charities and on the boards of local animal protection organizations. Join us in welcoming Neal!

10 Ways to Stay Involved with Animals during the Pandemic

Like many of you, we are adjusting to this new reality. While the state legislature is tackling issues related to COVID-19, we want to share some ideas to stay involved with animals while we are home, practicing social distancing. Here are some ideas if you are at home and looking for ways to help animals and stay involved with the MSPCA! Read more about humane education, writing projects, and virtual tours of our animal care and adoption centers! Have other ideas to add? Email us at advocacy@mspca.org.

USDA Restores Thousands of Animal Welfare Records to Its Website

Great news! After over 3 years of redactions and hidden documents, the USDA restored to its website animal welfare inspection reports for nearly 10,000 zoos, circuses, dog breeders, research labs, and Tennessee walking horse shows. In 2017, the MSPCA was part of a group that filed a federal lawsuit to compel the USDA to restore records of inspection and enforcement reports pertaining to animals, industries, and facilities regulated by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Ultimately, legislative action required their return. This information is important for the public to be able to know the animal welfare records of these entities. Learn more about the lawsuit and the recently released records.

MSPCA-Angell Honored on World Spay Day

The MSPCA-Angell was recently honored by City Councilor Matt O’Malley and the Boston City Council with a Resolution in recognition of World Spay Day, and the critical strides the organization has taken to reduce the homeless pet population, and to keep pets and their families together. We are so proud of the work our community outreach teams in Boston and Lowell do each day in their communities, focused on breaking down barriers to services and resources for families with pets.

Pittsfield bans the Sale of Puppies, Kittens, and Rabbits from Pet Shops

Just last month, the mayor of Pittsfield signed an ordinance into law that bans the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits from a retail establishment unless the animals come from a shelter or a rescue. Pittsfield now becomes the fourth municipality in Massachusetts—along with Boston, Cambridge, and Stoneham—and joins over 340 municipalities across the United States with similar ordinances. On the heels of Pittsfield, other municipalities are seeing animal protection issues being brought before their city or town government. So far in 2020, cities and towns across the Commonwealth are considering bans on the sale of fur, the retail sale of puppies and kittens, and exotic animals in traveling shows. Learn how to pass an ordinance or bylaw in your town!

We want to thank you for all you do for animals. Please stay safe, practice responsible social distancing and hand washing as much as you’re able to, and if you need to smile, check out this list of animals who have been social distancing since day one!