Advocacy Updates
May 2021
Action Needed: Help Animals in the Senate Budget
Amendment 34 filed by Senator Velis would allocate $100,000 to ensure the Massachusetts Animal Fund can fund spaying, neutering, and vaccinations for animals in need in the Commonwealth, with a priority to animals in families impacted by COVID-19 and the related economic downturn. The financial challenges created by the pandemic turned many of the assistance requests into urgent pleas for help due to housing requirements or medical emergencies. Currently, a wait list exists and many animals are going unserved, lacking critical health services. Ask your state senator to co-sponsor amendment 34! Take Action!
Local Action Victories!
Weston Bans the Retail Sale of Fur!
This past Saturday, Weston residents voted at their town meeting to ban the retail sale of new fur. Weston becomes the second Massachusetts municipality to do this (after Wellesley) making a move toward a more humane community. Not only is the production of fur harmful to animals, but it damages the environment. It has also led to the spread of COVID-19 in mink populations. Thank you Weston!
Municipalities are Speaking Out: No More Puppy Mills
Massachusetts communities are saying “NO” to puppy mills. In less than a month, North Adams, Plymouth, and Springfield all passed laws that ban the sale of commercially bred puppies, kittens, and rabbits from a retail establishment unless the animals come from a shelter or a rescue. Now nine municipalities in Massachusetts, including the above and Boston, Cambridge, Stoneham, Pittsfield, Holliston, and Marshfield (with more on the way), and over 380 municipalities across the country, have passed similar measures in the fight against puppy mills! Read More
At the MSPCA
$2,500 Reward to Help Solve “Horrific” Animal Cruelty Case
The MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement and the City of Cambridge police departments are seeking help from the public to identify whomever is responsible for binding and shooting a young male cat named Gosha, found dead near the intersection of Hurley and Sciarappa Streets in Cambridge, Mass. at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 6. Read More
New England Equine Relief Network
We developed partnerships with neighboring states to form the New England Equine Relief Network which offers support in the form of food and medical care to horse owners who may be going through a temporary period of financial insecurity or a family crisis, but where the animals are otherwise in stable and healthy circumstances. Learn More
Legislation Spotlight: Rodenticide
HD 4206: An Act relative to pesticides
Sponsor: Representative Jim Hawkins
Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) are a type of poison used for rodent control that work by stopping the blood clotting processes, causing lethal hemorrhage. SGARs have been extensively used for rodent control, allowing secondary exposure and poisonings in non-target wildlife species, such as birds of prey (photo above) that mainly feed on rodents or small birds. SGARs are prohibited for residential consumer purchase in the Commonwealth, but commercial use is allowed for licensed pesticide companies when hired to deal with rodent problems. Drafted by key stakeholders in Massachusetts, HD 4206 works to reduce SGARs in our environment.
This new legislation requires pesticide companies to provide customers with written information on the effects of SGARs on wildlife and the environment, information on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, and requires the increased use of IPM strategies in Massachusetts. It also requires digitization of pesticide use forms for better monitoring of the use of SGARs. Learn more and take action!
In the News…
Attorney General takes on Dog Leasing
In 2008, the Massachusetts legislature banned the renting and leasing of dogs. Unfortunately, the leasing of dogs has continued to happen at pet stores, a threat to both animals and consumers. The Attorney General got these leasing companies to cancel these debts obtained by deceitful and exploitative practices.
Seeking Higher Standard for Cage-free Eggs
At the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture hearing on May 4, proponents and opponents of Question 3 came together in support of S. 36/H. 864: An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards. Learn why we are now on the same side.
Boston Engages Community on Dog Parks
For a city of its size, Boston lacks a network of off-leash recreation spaces where dogs can legally exercise and play. If you live in Boston and want to see more dog parks, reach out to your district city councilor and 4 at-large councilors and submit comments though this link.
Profile: Everett City Councilor and ACO take on Pest Control Companies
In the summer of 2020, Everett’s Animal Control Officer Stacia Gorgone received several reports and pictures from residents depicting trapped animals who were left for more than 24 hours in the sun during some hot 90-degree days. The traps had been set by pest control companies. Unfortunately, before this ordinance, the ACO did not have the ability to intervene.
Stacia brought the issue to Everett City Councilor Stephanie Martins, and together they worked on and passed an ordinance that now requires pest control companies to check roof traps for squirrels and raccoons every 6 hours from June 1 through September 30, and gives the Everett ACO jurisdiction to release animals who are at risk after a 6-hour period. Read our interview with them.
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