Massachusetts

Pet Talk: Oreo's shattered life snarled in cruelty questions

pmne1414 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:29:32 GMT

She became the sweet-faced emblem of animal survival in the face of unspeakable human cruelty.

Oreo, a young brown and white pit bull, was thrown by her owner from the roof of his six-story Brooklyn apartment building last summer. Against all odds, the heap of shattered bones was still breathing when animal control arrived shortly afterward and rushed her to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Veterinarians tended to her smashed-up legs and fractured rib, and they medicated her heavily, stunned that as bad as the injuries were, there wasn't more damage.

To read the entire article pleae click link.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2009-11-17-pet-talk-oreo_N.htm

So sad!

Elephants Never Forget: Pachyderm Experts to Converge in Boston in Support of S. 1870

Sherylcatmom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:04:25 GMT

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Bullhooks and Chains Used by Traveling Circuses to Come Under Scrutiny

Who:

Senator Robert Hedlund (R-Plymouth and Norfolk), sponsor of Senate Bill 1870
State Representative Lori Ehrlich (D-Essex), co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1870
Carol Buckley, Co-founder and President of The Elephant Sanctuary
Katherine Meyer, Meyer, Glitzenstein & Crystal, lead attorney in the pending federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. Circus
Linda Huebner, Deputy Director of Advocacy for the MSPCA

What:

Elephant and animal welfare experts meet in support of Senate Bill 1870, An Act Relating to the Treatment of Elephants. Senate Bill 1870 would prohibit any person who houses, possesses or travels with elephants to use any implement that would result in physical harm or to keep the elephants constantly restrained by chain or similar device.

Press Conference:
Monday, November 16, 10am, Nurses Hall at the State House
Special experts in the field of elephant welfare will discuss the abuse of elephants used for entertainment and S. 1870. A bullhook, a club made of wood, metal, or other substantial material, with both a sharp steel hook and metal poker at one end is commonly used to train an elephant, will also be presented for photos.

Hearing:
Monday, November 16, 11:00 a.m., Room B-1
Special experts in the field of elephant welfare will testify during a hearing before the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development at the State House.

Background:

Carol Buckley is Co-founder, President and Executive Director of The Elephant Sanctuary. Carol has over 30 years of experience in the care and management of elephants. Carol has an extensive background in developing elephant management programs and providing animal medical care.

Katherine Meyer of Meyer, Glitzenstein and Crystal has been practicing public interest law for more than 30 years and recently was the lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the case against Feld Entertainment (Ringling Bros. Circus), which charged that the Circus cruelly mistreats endangered Asian elephants in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Key information on S. 1870:

This bill seeks only to eliminate cruel and inhumane training practices that are utilized against elephants. For example, the bullhook or ankus which is a club made of wood, metal or other substantial material, with both a sharp steel hook and metal poker at one end is commonly used to train an elephant. Both ends of the device are capable of puncturing and tearing skin. The handler uses the hook end to hit, jab and poke the elephant in order to dominate the animal to force it to engage in a desired behavior, such as performing tricks. A handler can also hold the hooked end and swing the handle like a baseball bat, inducing substantial pain.
The circus industry claims the bullhook is used “like a leash for a dog” but if an owner were to use the bullhook to control a dog it would be considered animal abuse in every state.
Chaining is one of the most common methods used to confine elephants in captivity. It severely restricts an elephant’s movements, eliminating its ability to lie down, walk, or socialize with other elephants. The severity of these restrictions can result in neurotic psychological behavior, physical injury, and even the death of captive elephants.
As a matter of corporate responsibility and consumers’ right to know, circuses must be held accountable to their repeated claims that they do not harm or punish elephants with negative reinforcement. Circuses claim that bullhooks are used only for direction. They do not need a weapon if it is only for direction: Elephant sanctuaries and many zoos use harmless tools, such as soft wands, to direct elephants.
Born Free USA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Welfare Institute and Fund for Animals, have filed a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros., for its mistreatment of endangered Asian elephants. The lawsuit asserts that a number of Ringling Bros.’ routine practices violate the ESA, including: the forceful use of bullhooks and the chaining of elephants for most of the day and night. A ruling in the lawsuit, which was heard in Spring 2009, is expected in early 2010.

Fenway is looking for a forever home! Quincy Animal Shelter

Boston — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:15:15 GMT

Fenway

Athletic, adventurous and loving life... that's me! I’m in a Canine Good Citizen class and I’m doing great! I like to explore and meet new people, go for car rides and play on the beach. I’d like a structured home with consistent training and lots of exercise. Playing is fun, but I also like to relax alongside my people.

I love attention and will always be your loyal companion!

An active family with teens and maybe another dog or cat would be the perfect home for me.

Please call Jean or Donna at the Quincy Shelter if you'd like to meet me!!

617-376-1349.

Take action against breed discriminatory legislation in Mashpee, Mass.

jhayes — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:03:16 GMT

Re: Foster homes for kittens needed in eastern MA

domi — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:50:01 GMT

Shelagh,

I am a 28 year old female who is recently pregnant and have moved back home to my parents house to save some money. I have 2 cats who I cannot bring home with me due to my parents hating my cats and their insistence regarding toxoplasmosis (mainly applicable to outdoor cats; my cats are purely indoor). I am looking for someone to care for my two cats, a male and female, both spayed/neutered, for about 6 months (at which point I will be moving out of my parents house after giving birth and will want them back). I am willing to pay for food and litter for them, and even to compensate a small amount for their care. One of the cats is really cuddly and friendly while the other is rather a scaredy cat, but they love each other and are great together. please let me know if this is something you'd be interested in, i'm desperate.

thanks, Dominika

BCCC Upcoming Events: Join Us For Art, BBQ, Pizza, Bowling, and More

pmne1414 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:35:20 GMT

Herding Cats Art Show October 2nd, 7-9pm Brush Art Gallery & Studios, 256 Market St., Lowell.

BBQ & Meet & Greet October 10th, 10 am - 3 pm Agway, 24 maple Road, South Chelmsford.

Natonal Feeral Cat Day October 17th, 10 am - 2pm Market Baskets in Billerica

Meet & Greet October 17th, 2pm - 4pm Meet some of the BCCC's adoptable cats at the Brush Art Gallery in Lowell.

Save a Cat, Eat Pizza October 27th, 5-9pm Flatbreads 213 Burlington Rd. Bedford, a portion of the meal proceeds goes to the BCCC.

Strikes for Strays November 7th, 3-5 pm Burnswick Zone, 647 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell. Cosmic Bowling for all!

Pet Photos with Santa December 6th, 11 am to 5 pm Petco (Trader Joe's Mall) 51 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington.

Re: Attleboro shelter scrambles to find homes for dozens of cats

Rosie310 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:38:50 GMT

Dozens offer homes for abandoned Attleboro cats

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/dozens_offer_ho.html

BCCC PRESENTS THE 2ND ANNUAL STRIKES FOR STRAYS!

pmne1414 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:02 GMT

JOIN US! COSMIC BOWL WITH US!

BCCC PRESENTS THE 2^ND ANNUAL STRIKES FOR STRAYS!

We invite you to participate in a Saturday afternoon of fun.

Registration is Now Open! Space is limited so sign up soon!

November 7^th, 2009, from 3:00 - 5:00pm.

Location:

Brunswick Zone Lowell

647 Pawtucket Blvd.

Lowell, MA 01854

(978) 454-0476

Tickets:

$20.00 per person (Includes 2 hours of cosmic bowling, shoes, pizza, soda, and dessert.) This is the same price as last year!

Pay online at www.billericacatcarecoalition.org

If paying online, please bring payment confirmation with you.

Or mail check to:

Billerica Cat Care Coalition

P.O. Box 141, N. Billerica, MA 01862 by November 5, 2009.

If you need additional information please contact Peggy at 781-864-4914. Please plan on arriving by 2:30pm for sign-in.

If you can’t make the event, but would like to send a donation, please send check to the above address.

Proceeds go to spaying and neutering abandoned kittens and cats.

We look forward to seeing you on November 7^th!

Thank you for all your support!

Attleboro shelter scrambles to find homes for dozens of cats

Rosie310 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:04:39 GMT

Here's a link to a Boston.com article. Looks like a hoarding and a foreclosure situation. These cats are in need of homes or the help of additional rescue groups.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/09/attleboro_shelt.html

"An Attleboro foreclosure left about 50 cats with no place to go, and an already over-capacity animal shelter is now scrambling to find homes for most of them."

Emergency before Oct. 1st., Oct. 5th the latest!!!

Kitty Resq — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:07:42 GMT

Normal 0

Help!!!! I live in the town of Auburn, MA, this past Monday night they
had a hearing to put down 2 pit bulls that are only 1yr old and unneutered. The
re is a 10-day appeal period, and I was hoping you could help safe their
lives. As I always say there are no bad dogs only bad people. I understand the
fear people in my town have of these two dogs, but why not charges the owner
with animal abuse, he made them the way they are. The person that spoke last
night said the dogs could not be rehabilitated, I think she is wrong. Can you
help?? Today is 09/24/09 we have until Oct. 1st to save these dogs then they
will be killed!!! Please watch the attached link it is long 1 hr.
There was no press at this meeting and I feel the dog’s story needs to be told. There were many neighbors complaining that night but until a little girl got bit no one came forward!!! If this has been going on for months why wasn't the dog officer called b4 or even the police...please watch. The dogs are only a yr old and will be put down after Oct. 5th .!!! Please forward to anyone you know that can help in my area. Thank you for your fast answer.
http://www.blip.tv/file/2633547

I ask who could appeal and the answer was ..The owner or keeper of the dogs can appeal with in 10 days..... Does that mean the keeper of the dogs now (Worcester Animal Rescue) or someone else in his family? I am so new to all this. I have a small rescue out of my home. So I don't really know the rules, but my boss is thinking it means the owner or family member with in the home. .

Re: Billerica Cat Care Coalition looking for foster homes for some special cats

pmne1414 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:08:39 GMT

Sorry, forgot to include the contact information.

Please contact the BCCC

http://www.billericacatcarecoalition.org/contact_us.php

Billerica Cat Care Coalition looking for foster homes for some special cats

pmne1414 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:01:59 GMT

1. Thomas boy: gray/white tabby, FIV+, neutured male, probably around ? 8-10 years old and was probably someones pet long ago. I have been fostering Thomas for almost 4 years. You can read about him on PetFinder, but to further his description he currently needs to have his left eye removed due to cataract formation which could lead to sarcoma of his eye. He has had a bladder blockage in the past and was put on C/D food (just the wet) which he has most of the time. I sometimes give him some different wet food and then will go back to the wet C/D food which I mix a little warm water. I do give him a small amount of the dry C/D food mixed with a little other dry food in the morning. Even though he doesn't have many teeth he still seems to be able to chew the dry food. Thomas is loveable, but has some personality flaws (don't we all). He doesn't like his feet touched so his nails need to be clipped by two experienced nail clippers as he will try to scratch and bit (even though he only has teeth way back in his mouth). Also his ears need to have a solution squirted in them and wiped out with cotton balls at least once a week. Every so often he needs to go to the vets to have them cleaned out by them. He also needs to be brushed every day as he does not groom himself any more at all and has become matted a couple of times and has to be shaved. He currently has a nice mohawk. He would do best in a home without other cats or pets. Does not like young children. He is a lap sitter and loves to be petted.

2. Leonardo (Leo) is a black and white FIV+, semi-feral, neutured male, probably between 5-9 years old, who came into my care in February 2009 after being probably hit by a car. He sustained a broken pelvis and two breaks in his back right leg. He has been caged for most of this time as he still has a pin in his leg that is due to be removed at the end of October. He seems to be able to get around fairly well, even with the pin still in place. Due to the fact that he has a narrowing of his pelvis he needs to stay on a daily dose (for now) of lactulose syrup (laxative) to keep his bowels regular. He is loveable towards me and lets me sit and hold and love him. He has problems with his teeth which are to be addressed at the time that he is under to have the pin removed. He too has ear problems and will, like Thomas, have to have these cleaned at least once a week with a solution and cleaned with cotton balls and followed up with the vet every so often. Don't know if Leo will get along with other cats, but would do best in a home with no other pets and no small children around.

3. Boots is a yellow, neutured feral (I would say semi-feral now) male FIV+ tabby who was trapped at Yentile Farm in Wilmington back in October 2005. He has no current medical issues. Back in the spring he did have some teeth removed at The Cat Doctor. He is friendly with me and lets me pat him (hates his belly touched), but I cannot pick him up. Have had to scoot him into a cat carrier to get him to the vet. He is skittish with any sudden movement, but loves to be loved.

4. Simba is currently ill with respiratory disease from the FIV. The Board of Directors will need to consult The Cat Doctor.

5. TJ is a diluted torti spayed female who was taken into foster care when she was a kitten. She is about 2 1/2 years old. You can read about her on PetFnder. She has no current medical issues, but she does need to have her shots updated. She is skittish and not always a lap cat (every so often), but is easily scared by noises. She loves other cats, but is skittish around humans.

6. Buff is a yellow neutured male whose elderly owner passed away. He is listed on PetFinder. I don't believe Buff was ever with other cats. He also has an allergic condition which can be helped with cortisone shots from the vet and cleaning of the allergic areas when it crops up. He has been caged since I have been fostering him (as he fights with other cats) and needs to go to a home with no other animals, no children and preferably only one adult owner. He likes to be brushed and petted, but will let you know by a good bite or claw/nail swat. Once he is out of the cage his behavior may change. He is beautiful.

Re: Foster homes for kittens needed in eastern MA

skwalsh — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:43:12 GMT

I noticed that you posted this a few months ago, but I am interested in fostering kittens if you still have some looking for a foster home. I am 19 years old and only have college classes twice a week. i have plenty of free time to spend with them.

I would love any other information you can give me.

Thank you!

Shelagh Walsh

LOST DOG-Lebanon, NH

jorisam — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:57:20 GMT

6 yr.old spayed female, 15 lb,. brussels griffon, short hair, brown/tan W/ docked tail lost on Farr Road in Lebanon NH, 8/28/09. Named Lola. We are seeking help. If you have any information about a dog fitting this description, please contact us. If you have seen the dog or heard of a dog seen matching her description, please contact us via e-mail or phone978-407-2768, name Eric. We are desperate to get our family pet back. Thank you for any help.

Seeking good home for 2 family dogs

cjr1224 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:16:50 GMT

I am unsure if this is the correct place to post this ( and am sorry if it is not ), but I am hoping that someone can help in this situation;

Cookie and Coco

Even if you can’t take them, please pass this around!

Contact: Katherine at: kjmorris74@yahoo.com

We are moving overseas in just 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I have still not been able to find a good home for Cookie and Coco . We're not able to take our beloved doggies with us and I've been desperately trying to find a home for both of them 'together'. They were raised together and pine without each other. The Lab rescue have already said that they would probably separate them, so this is my last resort. Recently I tried to take Coco out in my car alone and she TOTALLY refused to even get into the car without Cookie.....!!!! She absolutely pulled back on her haunches until Cookie was by her side.

Both doggies are in great health, have been spayed and have ID chips implanted under the skin.

Cookie turned 3 December 10th and Coco turned 3 April 1st. Cookie is my mellow-yellow, and just loves her tummy rubbed. Coco is adorably funny and lives for her "ball." She also loves the water...... Cookie loves lots of attention. Both doggies are loyal and love to walk. They have been raised with my 3 kids running around all over the place, and have survived Sammy's constant hugging and love of 'dress-up', so they are fantastic family dogs. This is by far one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but under the circumstances I have no choice.

Please, please forward these pictures to all your friends. I want to find a great home for these fabulous doggies. They are just adorable and it's heartbreaking to let them go. In a perfect world, I hope that we could find someone local so that we can still keep in touch and visit them. I pray that someone, somewhere can help us keep Cookie and Coco together, and love them just as much as we do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. kjmorris74@yahoo.com

Thank you.

cjr1224

Maple Farm Sanctuary, Mendon, MA: URGENT NEED FOR A REPLACEMENT TRUCK!

Sherylcatmom — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:04:46 GMT

Click here for more info.

FROM MAPLE FARM SANCTUARY in Mendon, Massachusetts:

"For those of you who are unaware, beside the fact that this hay season is seriously under production and quality, we have another major issue to deal with. On July 15th Jim was returning from picking up a precious load of hay. We were so fortunate to have a few wonderful volunteers helping, some in Jim's truck, and the others in their own car. Jim's truck had been smoking a little and we thought it was oil from a previous oil change. On this day Jim drove in the driveway in a cloud of smoke! One of the volunteers stepped out of the truck and yelled that the truck was on fire!

"I came out of the goat barn and saw Jim running towards me and as my eyes looked past him I saw flames. As Jim ran to get a fire extinguisher, I immediately called 911. I went as quickly as I could past the mesmerized and shocked volunteers repeatedly telling each 911 dispatcher (it begins with the state police and then gets transferred locally) over and over the address and that we had a truck on fire. Still talking I got upstairs where I always keep an extinguisher in the kitchen.

"I went back outside with my heart pounding. You see the truck was attached to a trailer loaded full of hay, the house on one side and the barn on the other. The potential for catastrophe was overwhelming. I pulled the pin and swept the extinguisher discharge under the truck (the asphalt was actually burning) then asked Jim to pop the hood and I discharged more over the engine. A few minutes later the police arrived asking if we needed their extinguishers. While I believed the fire to be out they still brought an extinguisher over. Then the fire department arrived and the fire was already out.

"Our nerves were fried along with the truck, but the house, barn, hay and animals were all safe. The truck was later towed to a mechanic and the struggle to get the hay in the barn before rain continued. So far, we're without a dependable hay truck. I tried contacting a car dealer hoping to find a good, used truck that a generous soul might donate. So far, we haven't had any luck finding a truck. Most of the appropriate trucks we can't afford - neither Jim & I nor the Sanctuary have enough funds."

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

"If there is anyone who can either help raise funds or find a generous donor as quickly as possible, it will be so very important to the Sanctuary's survival. The truck needed is: ¾ Ton, 4WD, Standard (preferably) or Automatic, Rear Receiver Hitch (for trailers and hay) and it has to be able to pass inspection in MA. It a basic but expensive need as we continue to put the animals first."

Alert & photos courtesy Maple Farm Sanctuary

Hello everyone from Western Mass! Any cat sitters out there?

CarrieD — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:49:48 GMT

Hi my name is Carrie, I've been a huge Best Friends fan for years now. I love the new look for the website!

I live in western Massachusetts, in Easthampton, which is near Springfield and the five colleges out here.

This is my first post in the Mass forum. I wanted to say Hi and also to ask for a favor.

I'm looking for a live in cat sitter for my sweetie kitty Mr Buster Fluffy Pants from August 2-8. I have hired a daytime cat sitter, but I'd prefer Buster to have someone to snuggle with at night.

If you know of anyone who might be interested, could you contact me? We have a 3 bedroom, 2 living room apartment, near Mt Holyoke College, Smith College, Hampshire College, UMass AMherst, Amherst College, next to Northampton, with a mountain view (of our tiny Mt Tom), part of the Holyoke Range with great hiking trails.

Thank you so much!!!
Carrie

cdferr@yahoo.com

Vote NO to taking the voices from our beloved dogs and cats

Sherylcatmom — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:00:48 GMT

Please take the poll on convenience devocalization here:

http://wbztv.com/watercooler/pets/dog.debarking.bill.2.1084554.html

Foster homes for kittens needed in eastern MA

kplescia — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:09:56 GMT

I know this may be a long shot as we are all quite taxed and busy during the summer months, but I thought I'd throw out a desperate request....

I volunteer and foster for the Animal Rescue League of Boston (Dedham branch, mainly). We are looking for follks in eastern MA (within reasonable distance of one of our brances) who can foster mom cats with litters as well as kittens without moms (some weaned, some bottle babies). All of our foster homes that are available to do this are full right now.

The babies really need to get out of the shelter environment so if anyone out there is an empty foster home or has thought about fostering and is ready to take the leap, please contact me!

Thank you!

Karen Plescia