New regulations on MA rescue organizations and shelters
via email from Baby's foster family
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced an emergency order today to strengthen the regulations pertaining to animals brought into the Commonwealth from other states. . . . to prevent rescue organizations, shelters and other groups from bringing animals into the state that pose risks to human and animal health (Department of Agricultural Resources Press Release, May 26, 2005).MDAR also provides information about compliance and an online registration form for rescue organizations and shelters.
The Canine Coalition, "Fighting for the Right to Rescue," opposes the new restrictions.
Last year around this time, the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) issued a press release about an unnamed Massachusetts animal shelter bringing a rabid puppy into the state from Puerto Rico. I spent a month researching the incident, which was not publicized by MDAR, and posted the results of my research on July 2, 2004.
Also around this time last year, NAIA, along with the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (MASSFED) and the American Kennel Club (AKC), succeeded in defeating legislation, which would have imposed restrictions on breeders of dogs and cats. As far as I could tell, breeders' groups opposed the legislation not out of their concern for the welfare of their animals but out of concern for the business interests of their members.
The NAIA has scored a victory in getting the emergency order passed. MASSFED also supports the new regulations. The AKC has not yet put anything about the emergency order on their website.
A good way to gage whether or not a breeder is responsible is whether or not she is active in breed rescue. I'd like to know what breeder organizations like the AKC, MASSFED and NAIA are doing to help the animal rescue organizations and shelters comply with the requirements of the new emergency order.
Here is a suggestion. Breeders, you clearly have the facilities to temporarily accomodate additional animals: When you are not raising a litter, why not donate your facilities to a shelter or rescue for the 48-hour isolation period required for every animal coming into Massachusetts for adoption?
Comments
I also wrote a bit about this on my blog.
Posted by: C. Scott Ananian | June 1, 2005 7:33 PM
Thanks for the excellent post, I will be forwarding this to others I know who are affected by this issue.
I am not personally involved in rescue, but consider rescue a vital and valuable community service. I am trying to produce a radio segment on this subject, and am interested in any further insights you may have- or even if you would be willing to provide an interview regarding the threats aligned against private rescue operations.
Have you heard about the 20/20 'report' airing this Friday? Apparently it's a slam on 'shelters that basically steal dogs from breeders and sell them for profit...by lodging false complaints of abuse'(...).
I would really like to understand more about the larger currents driving this thing- connect the dots, if you will. But there's definately plenty of co-ordination between the NAIA, State Gov., pet store industry and (mostly) volume breeders.
Thanks.
Posted by: zzyzx | June 2, 2005 12:14 AM
Thank you, zzyzx, for your kind words and for informing me and my readers about the 20/20 report.
I regret that I have neither the authority nor the expertise to comment on the impact of the new emergency order on animal rescue organizations and shelters and pet adoption in Massachusetts.
Check out C. Scott Ananian's post regarding the emergency order (see above). He includes his notes from a meeting on May 12 at which the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) presented information about the proposed order to local rescue groups and shelters.
I hope individuals involved in rescue groups and adoption agencies will contact you through the e-mail address you have provided with your comment.
Posted by: Canis Major | June 2, 2005 9:01 AM