page 1 Summer/Fall 2009 MASSFED NEWS MASSFED NEWS Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners Summer/Fall 2009 www.massfeddogs.org This Federation… • Promotes and protects the interests of responsible dog • Promotes responsible dog ownership. owners. • Uses all legal means to promote the general welfare of dogs • Actively assists and participates in local, state and national and dog owners. legislation concerning dogs and dog owners. • Disseminates information and knowledge regarding dogs. • Brings such legislation to the attention of the membership and the general public. MASHPEE PIT BULL BYLAW DEFEATED! A job well done by MassFed and Cape Cod Ken- Bertrand on Saturday, 10/17/09, from 10am-2pm. Ev- nel Club members to defeat a horrible town by- eryone was able to meet American Staffordshire Terriers law! Below in reverse chronological order are and learn about different breeds and BSL legislation. the events/article snippets and references. MassFed and Cape Cod Kennel Club cooperated Monique Bertrand, MassFed Member, attended the on and co-funded an educational mailing executed Mashpee Town Meeting on 10/19/09. The petitioners by MassFed to all 1500 registered dog owners for the pitbull ban had no supporters. They were allowed in Mashpee alerting them to the dangers of this to speak, and based their petition on the Canton law. An warrant article, voter registration deadline and in- abutter of the pitbull owner was there and spoke very formation regarding the 10/17 meet and greet. well with reasons why a breed ban is unjust and that he had no problems with the dogs being next to him. An- Section 4 of the Bylaw read: In the event of a litter, other resident from Mashpee was there with her service the owner or keeper (i) must deliver the puppies to dog, a very nice pitbull, and also spoke against the peti- the Town Kennel for destruction or (ii) shall perma- tion and for non breed specific based dog laws. It went nently remove the puppies from the Town and provide very well and was put to rest (warrant article defeated). sufficient evidence of such removal by the time the puppies are weaned. In no event shall the owner or The Hot Diggity Boutique (owned by Nicole Merrimen) in keeper be allowed to keep in the Town a pit bull puppy Mashpee was the location for a “meet and greet,” orga- born after the date of enactment of this section that is nized by MassFed members Holly Stump and Monique more than eight weeks old. Any pit bull puppies kept contrary to the provisions of this subsection are subject to immediate impoundment and disposal pursuant to this Section.
Mashpee pit bull limit bylaw going to voters By Matthew M. Burke - [email protected] 08/18/09
MASHPEE — An article will be placed on the warrant for the fall special town meeting that would limit the number of pit bulls an owner is allowed to have in town Continued on page 2
Alert - see details in this issue • HB344 Devocalization bill scheduled for House Informal Session on 10/28/09. * Chapter 140 - Dog Law Rewrite Synopsis Nicole Merrimen (Hot Diggity Owner) & Holly Stump as it currently stands. (MassFed Board Member) at 10/17/09 Meet & Greet MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 2 MassFed Participation Around the State Continued from page 1 You can read the entire article at http://www.capec- to one and would order the euthanization or removal odonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090612/ from town of any puppies born. NEWS/906120319
Carmen and Melissa Shay, who, beginning in April, Cheryl Malone (CCKC MassFed unsuccessfully fought their new neighbors, Brendan Delegate) is National ACO of the Year! Lopes and Tiffany Mendes, from bringing six pit bulls to their Ashumet Road property, are the lead petition- DENNIS - Where do you go when you’ve reached the ers. The Shays got nine more than the necessary 10 pinnacle of your career? certified signatures to get their petition article placed on the warrant, Town Clerk Deborah Dami said.
Mashpee board approves pit bull kennel By Matthew M. Burks - [email protected] 06/12/09
MASHPEE — The town design and plan review com- mittee “reluctantly” gave zoning approval yesterday for a personal kennel to house six pit bulls on Ashumet Road.
The board of health, which is the licensing authority, is scheduled to meet June 24 to decide whether or not to add any other conditions.
For Cheryl Malone of Dennis, the answer is simple: continue making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.
Malone received the National Animal Control Officer of the Year Award at the National ACO Association’s Amber (owned by Monique Bertrand) and Lula (owned by annual training conference in St. Louis May 29. Holly Stump) participated in the Meet & Greet on 10/17/09 Continued on page 3
Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners President Virginia Rowland, P.O. Box 300, Templeton, MA 01468-0300; 978-939-5300; [email protected] Vice Prresident Nancy Fisk, 235 Maple St., Bellingham, MA 02019; 508-966-4564; [email protected] Corresponding Secretary Julie Rembrandt Seeley, P.O. Box 295, Harvard, MA 01451-0295; 978-456-8644; [email protected] Recording Secretary Judith Erlanger, 28 Piper Road, Acton, MA 01720; 978-263-7301; [email protected] Treasurer Rebecca Leonard, 50 Rice Road, Wayland, MA 01778; 508-653-6139; [email protected] Directors Herb Everett, P.O. Box 552, Granby, MA 01033; 413-467-2913; [email protected] Darlene Flood, Box 403, Sandwich, MA 02563 ; 508-888-6786; dfl[email protected] John Kenney, 53 Beechwood Street, Cohasset, MA 02025; 781-383-0504; [email protected] Cynthia Stark, 245 Parker Ave., Holden, MA 01520; 508-852-2483; [email protected] Holly Stump, 263 Topsfield Road, Ipswich, MA 01938; [email protected] page 3 Summer/Fall 2009 MASSFED NEWS
MassFed Participation Around the State Continued from page 2 Edward “Bud” Caulfield” clearly is VERY, VERY anti pit bull and is very much in favor of approving changes to She has continued to distinguish herself as animal the existing ordinance to target pit bulls. Many of the advocate, protector and dog trainer since winning the half truths he stated about pit bulls and the success of state award in 2000. Her credits include nine years as BSL in other cities - like Boston - had been refuted in vice president of the Cape Cod Kennel Club, the 2001 an earlier meeting of the committee by Dr. Amy Marder, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to a veterinarian and behaviorist. The Police Superinten- Animals’ and the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s dent Kenneth Levallee answered general questions ACO of the Year Award. Following Hurricane Katrina about the incident. The Lowell animal control officer in 2005, Malone served as a key participant in the ani- was not in attendance, no reason was given. mal rescue effort in New Orleans and later in Gulfport, Miss., conducting search-and-recovery missions for There was very limited time for testimony from those hundreds of lost and feral animals. in attendance. Mike Keily from the MSPCA expressed By Nicole Muller; [email protected] his concern that after all the positive energy from the previous meeting and the discussion of the formation You can read the entire article at http://www.wickedlo- of an animal advisory committee, the City Manager had cal.com/dennis/news/lifestyle/x702335628/Cheryl- done nothing to form it. Bernie Lynch, the City Man- Malone-is-National-ACO-of-the-Year ager, had testified at the start of the meeting that the committee had not been officially approved because MassFed Featured at Fitchburg he had been unsuccessful in identifying someone who Sportsmen’s Club Meeting was a Lowell resident and associated with the MSPCA to serve on the committee. Mike Keily said he would be On October 4, 2009, thanks to an invitation from willing to serve on the committee and made the point YGRC member Jim Belliveau, I spoke at a meeting that it would make more sense for him serve on the of the Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club. At the meeting I Animal Advisory Committee than for him to recommend covered the legislation that MassFed is watching, what an MSPCA volunteer who was a resident of Lowell that our positions are, and how to communicate with one’s didn’t have the background and knowledge he did. legislators. We also discussed the difference between Another expert from the MSPCA in Boston testified “Animal Rights” and “Animal Welfare,” and how PETA that the dogs involved in the recent incidents were all and HSUS are filing legislation through school children. lose and all unlicensed, so clearly there is a problem Approximately 30-40 people were in attendance. with enforcing existing laws, why approve new laws that there would be difficulty in enforcing. Judith Erlanger Lowell resident Mark Lynch made the point that the city Lowell Tables Dangerous of Lowell recently laid off 42 employees and asked how Dog Ordinance the city would pay to enforce additional regulations. He was reassured that no one in animal control was laid On June 9, I attended the Lowell Public Safety Com- off. He spoke about the difficulty in correctly identify- mittee meeting to review possible changes to their ing pit bulls and mentioned the case of “Pup Dog” in dog ordinance to reflect concern over three recent pit Tewksbury who was initially identified as a pit bull but bull attacks. found with DNA testing to be a mix of many breeds, including Dalmatian, pointer, etc. He cited cases of Last week a five year old child was bitten under the eye vicious attacks (not in Lowell) involving other breeds. by a pit bull that she had been playing ball with. This dog was unlicensed and had no prior record. Initially At the end of the meeting the committee approved a the owner ran away with the dog, but since have been motion tabling discussion to allow the animal advisory found, and the dog has been impounded along with committee be formed, meet and return to this commit- a female pit bull owned by the same person. If the tee with a recommendation in TWO WEEKS. owner is willing to pay $800 and license the dog, he can bail him out after the quarantine period is over, You can read the Lowell Sun article at http://www. otherwise the dog will be euthanized. lowellsun.com/local/ci_12559683 Virginia Rowland At the start members of the committee, the Police Superintendent, the City Manager Bernie Lynch and the mayor were given the opportunity to speak. Mayor page 4 Summer/Fall 2009 MASSFED NEWS Fun Photo Ops
Rep. Ross presents Best in Show at Ladies’ Dog Club
Rep. Richard Ross presents Best in Show at Ladies’ Dog Club - 5/30/09 to Ch Sportingfields Reflections O Borderfame owned by Dan Black & Debbie Butt. Also pictured: Judge Mrs. Dorothy N. Collier, Handler Debbie Butt & Show Chair Virginia Rowland - Photo by Fritz Clark
Rep. Gobi presents Gov. Patrick’s Responsible Dog Ownership Proclamation
Responsible Dog Ownership Proclamation at the State House - 9/16/09 Left to Right: Marilyn Thell; Kirsten Ottmar with Moose (Swedish Valhund); Rep. Anne Gobi; Amelia English, Sen. Eldridge’s Office Manager with Noddi (Swedish- Valhund); Neel Chaudhury, Sen. Eldridge’s Chief of Staff; Brendan Jarboe, Sen. Eldridge’s Constituent Director; Virginia Rowland, MassFed President/Lades’ Dog Club; Julie Rembrandt Seeley, MassFed Corresponding Secretary/Wachusett Kennel Club with Marshall (French Bulldog); Debbie Shuman, Bay Colony Tibetan Terrier Club with Cali (Tibetan Terrier); Caryl Crouse, Bay Colony Tibetan Terrier Club with Harry & Vegas (Tibetan Terriers); Mary Prelack, Hockamock Kennel Club with Maya (Golden Retriever). MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 5 2009-2010 Legislative Session - BILLS TO WATCH The list of bills that MassFed is tracking for this legislative session will is available for downloading on the Statewide page of the website. This is a multi-page document listing approximately 48 bills that are being tracked on a daily basis by our legislative tracking service.
We have a new page on the website called Position Papers. This page contains the same list of bills as the downloadable “Bills To Watch” document but it also has links to the full bill text and MassFed posi- tion papers. The Bills To Watch list and Position Papers will be updated daily as events occur.
MassFed Current Proactive Bills Bill # Sponsor Name/Description Position SB2172 Sen. Jehlen Updating the Animal Control Laws Of Mass. Support Passed Senate with Amendments 10/20/09
HB913 Rep. Gobi Concerning the Use of Certain Insurance Support Underwriting Guidelines Hearing 10/19/09
HB1977 Rep. Hill Relative to at Risk Dogs (HD2710) Support
HB3704 Rep. Khan Regulation of Animal Shelters Support Hearing 7/14/09 SB1578 Sen. Brewer Relative to Dog Training Areas in the Support Commonwealth (SD243) Same text as HB1401 HB1401 Rep. Gobi Relative to Dog Training Areas in the Support Commonwealth (HD962) Same text as SB1578 MassFed Strong Opposition HB344 Rep. Harkins Prohibiting Devocalization of Oppose Dogs & Cats (HD653) Reported favorably on 10/21/09; to be considered in Informal House session on 10/28/09.
HB1997 Rep. Pedone An Act Relative to Animals (HD3393) Oppose (refile of 2007-2008 HB1948/HB5092) Hearing 7/14/09 HB3943 Rep. Callahan Providing for a Tax on Sale of Non-Food Animals Oppose (Requiring seller’s permit/license to sell pets disguised as sales tax bill) Hearing 5/6/09
SB774 Sen. Hedlund Relative to Puppy Mills (SD1448) Oppose SB186 Sen. Tisei Licensing & Regulation of Pet Groomers (SD1369) Oppose Hearing 5/19/09 - see website for report
We are well into our two year legislative session and most bills have already had their public hearings. Keep an eye on our website as they move about the committes. When a move is made letters of sup- port or opposition must be sent to members of new committee. page 6 Summer/Fall 2009 MASSFED NEWS NEW MEMBERS 2009 Meeting Dates We’d like to welcome new member club: Berk- Check our website (www.massfeddogs.org) for shire Beagle Club with Rodney Hicks as their updated meeting info and reservation forms. Delegate. • October 29 (Thur) - Annual Meeting - How We are always recruiting! Club and Associate Legislation Impacts Veterinary Care. Panel Membership applications can be downloaded from discussion with local veterinarians. the website — www.massfeddogs.org. Legislative Tracking Service DUES REMINDER MassFed subscribes to a legislative tracking ser- Club and Associate member dues are due by January vice (InstaTrac) which alerts us on a daily basis 1, 2010. You will receive a dues notice form during to activities at the State House such as hearings the month of November but we’ve also included one scheduled, new bills filed, and progress on bills we with this newsletter. Please make certain that your address, phone and email are correct on your forms. are tracking. We are fundraising on a continuing Challenge yourself to recruit at least one new associate basis to cover the cost of this service. member this year!
If you become aware of any impending legislation in your town please contact a MassFed Board Member immediately so that we may start the process of investigation and take appropriate action! Board Member contact infor- Remember: Responsible dog owners mation is on the “Member” page of our ALWAYS clean up after their dogs. website.
WEBSITES OF INTEREST American Dog Owners Association http://www.adoa.org PLANNING FUTURE CLUB American Kennel Club MEETING DATES & SPEAKERS? http://www.akc.org Center For Consumer Freedom If your club needs a meeting program, our MassFed http://www.consumerfreedom.com/ Board Members will be happy to provide speakers Contacting Congress to discuss Legislation and upcoming events. Don’t http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/ miss an opportunity to educate your club mem- committees.html bers about legislation and lawmaking. Contact Lawmaking in Massachusetts any MassFed Board member about scheduling a http://www.state.ma.us/legis/lawmaking.htm meeting speaker. Mass. General Court http://www.state.ma.us/legis/legis.htm National Animal Interest Alliance MassFed News is a newsletter published February, May, www.naiaonline.org August, and November by MFDC&RDO for members. Any portion may be reproduced in the newsletters of member Project Smart Vote clubs with appropriate credit to sources. Material reproduced http://www.vote-smart.org/ from other sources or opinions expressed in this Newsletter does not necessarily represent the official position of the Thomas - U.S. Congress on the Internet Federation or its members. http://thomas.loc.gov/ Please send correspondence to: Julie Rembrandt Seeley, U.S. Department of Agriculture Post Office Box 295, Harvard, MA 01451-0295; fax 978- http://www.usda.org 456-8853; e-mail [email protected] MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 7 AN ACT UPDATING THE ANIMAL CONTROL LAWS OF MASSACHSUETTS
Key: Black text indicates significant changes/updates to Ch. 140 Dog Laws. Blue text indicates amendments/changes as the bill progressed. Red text indicates reason for changes/current status.
Currently Senate Bill 2172 (previously SD671, SB406, SB2120, SB2151, SB2172)
An Act Updating the Animal Control Laws of Massachusetts (Sen. Jehlen) Referred to Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture
PROBLEM: Many laws that govern animal control date back to the 1800s and are antiquated.
HISTORY: Many organizations have participated in revising Chapter 140 including Massachusetts Veterinary Medical As- sociation, the MSPCA, Animal Rescue League of Boston, and the Bureau of Animal Health within the Department of Ag- ricultural Resources, as well as input from the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners.
WHAT THIS BILL DOES: This bill is a redrafted and retooled version of the laws related to dogs and animal control. It does many good things including: 1. Requires training of Animal Control Officers. Crippled by changes made in legislative committee, due to change made in funding. 2. Applies a $3 surcharge across the board for all licenses (neutered or unaltered animals) and removed by legislative committee. Changed to tax check off contribution instead. Reduces significantly what can be accomplished. Done at urging of Town Clerks Association allows the Department of Agricultural Resources to use the funds for low-cost spay/neuter programs and support of animal officer training as needed. This is accomplished without impacting the budgets of cities and towns. It will have a significant impact in improving the safety and security of the residents relative to animal issues. (This was ignored by legislative committee and Town Clerks Association.) 3. Improves Dangerous Dog laws and prohibits breed specific legislation. 4. Updates kennel definitions. 5. Requires humane euthanasia. 6. Places animal control matters consistently with the Department of Agriculture. Not clear where this stands. Likely not going to be the case.
See the following for more detailed information.
SD671 - AN ACT UPDATING THE ANIMAL CONTROL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS Mass. General Laws Chapter 140, sections 136A through 174D
Why do these laws need to be updated? Many of the laws that govern animal control date back to the 1800s. Quite simply, the laws do not address the current state of animal control in our municipalities. For example, animal control was previously based on the structure of a county system, which is for the most part not used today. The fines and fees are outdated. The term “dog officer” is still used, although in Massachusetts and nationally, the current term used is “animal control officer.” This document elaborates on the suggested changes to Chapter 140, sections 136A through 174D to update and make the animal control laws more efficient, current and effective.
Who supports these changes? The Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the state’s Bureau of Animal Health within the Depart- ment of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) have worked together to draft these changes. In addition, other entities, such as dog breeders, city and town representatives, elected officials, and public health officials have been consulted.
Will these changes cost the state money? No. Fees and fines are increased in this bill. Other than that, the outdated “county” dog fund has been replaced with an animal control fund within a city or town, since the county system is not used any more. Cities or towns should not be impacted by these changes either In addition, the costs related to furnishing additional training and education for Animal Control Officers will not have a negative impact on the budgets of the cities and towns. The funding comes from an ad- ditional source, dog related and does not take away any currently existing funds. Town Clerks Association disputes this. Continued on page 8 MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 8 AN ACT UPDATING THE ANIMAL CONTROL LAWS Continued from page 7 OF MASSACHSUETTS
The proposed updates and improvements to Chapter 140, sections 136A through 174D include: Changing the term “dog officer” to “animal control officer”. The term “dog officer” is outdated. Many animal control officers today deal with many animals in addition to dogs. Many, if not most, states now use the term animal control officer, including the New England states of Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. While the term changes, this does not require cities or towns to cover species other than dogs, though more and more are doing so voluntarily.
Requiring training of animal control officers. Several other states have requirements for such training. In Massa- chusetts, animal control officers work for municipalities and currently have no training requirements. Animal control of- ficers have important responsibilities, including responding to reports of stray animals, enforcing leash law violations and barking and dangerous dog ordinances. In addition, they often care for and adopt sheltered animals. Such training will increase the professionalism of this important role in our cities and towns. In return, this will provide for better care of Mas- sachusetts’ animals, increase public safety, and create more uniform and stronger enforcement of the animal control laws. Requirement taken out due to loss of funding as planned. Funding change due to Town Clerk Association objections.
Allowing towns/cities specifically to set own license period. Because cities and towns could opt out of the county system under the current laws in Ch. 140, many have set their own licensing periods. This change simply reflects this and the ability and desire of cities and towns to set their own time period.
Creating consistency and removing outdated references. Many of these sections have reference to entities that are no longer a part of animal control, such as county commissioners and county dog officers. Therefore, references to this older, and now irrelevant, system of government have been removed in this draft. Additionally, references to specific pro- visions for Suffolk county have also been removed (again, since the county system is no longer used). The word “city” has been added to places where it previously had just said “town.” In the definition section, the county “dog fund” has been changed to a town or city “animal control fund.”
Updating fines and fees. Many of the fines in chapter 140 are outdated and comically low. In many instances these have been increased in this draft (See, for example, section 137C (violating kennel license law); section 141 (keeping an unlicensed dog); section 145B (failing to comply with rabies vaccination requirements); section 151 (violating provision relating to selling animals to research facilities)). Some fees would be left to the discretion of the city or town (See, for ex- ample, section 139 (spaying and neutering/license fee); section 137A (kennel licenses)). The proposed minimum fee for licensing was increased to not less than $6 for a neutered dog and not more than $50 for an unaltered dog. The amount per license (in section 137) that is maintained by the town or city clerk would be changed from ten cents to an amount determined by the city or town. This is due not only to the outdated amount, but also for the increased activity of retaining the surcharge (for spay/neuter fund) in section 147C.
Adding ferrets to 145B (Rabies vaccination requirement). Ferrets were made legal in Massachusetts in 1996. This section has been updated to reflect this and their vaccination requirements.
Improving the Dangerous Dog law Section 157, relating to the process by which a dog is determined dangerous or a nuisance, has been updated and now works in conjunction with additional sections (157A-157C) that define what con- stitutes a “dangerous dog” and prohibits cities and towns from declaring a dog dangerous based on breed alone if they should implement their own bylaw. For city and towns that choose to use the new language, section 157C provides clear provisions to protect both the public and animals.
Creating categories for kennel licensing. This definition section has been changed to specify different kennel catego- ries, instead of having only one category which covers a wide variety of types of kennels (personal, boarding, etc.). In many instances kennels are limited to industrial, light industry or business zones, even when the kennel request is for a private or personal use kennel, not a business. Changing the definition of a kennel to separate categories and requiring towns to issue licenses accordingly allows kennel licenses to be issued to “commercial” kennels and restricted to those zones while allowing licenses to be issued for personal kennels in residential zones. Kennel license would be issued subsequent to an inspection by the animal control officer.
Creating consistency in the holding time for stray dogs. Currently, the holding period for stray dogs is 7 days in Suf- folk country and 10 days everywhere else. This draft suggests a change to make the holding period in Massachusetts 7 days. Not only would this make the laws more uniform, but research suggests that stray dogs are usually reclaimed within 3 days. A person who has lost a dog should, with any reasonable effort, be able to find the dog at an animal shelter within Continued on page 9 MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 9 AN ACT UPDATING THE ANIMAL Meeting Minutes CONTROL LAWS June 15, 2009 OF MASSACHSUETTS The General Meeting of the Massachusetts Federation Continued from page 8 of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners was called this period of time. Many other states have lower holding to order by President Virginia Rowland at 8:15 pm on periods. This would save cities and towns money and al- Monday, June 15, 2009 at Brown Motors, 39 Beacon low dogs to be available for adoption sooner. Street, Greenfield, MA following the Pioneer Valley KC membership meeting. Prohibiting certain methods of euthanasia for dogs and cats. Currently, the law allows the use of carbon monoxide with certain provisions. Neither carbon monox- Present were: Virginia Rowland, MassFed/Ladies’ ide nor carbon dioxide are being used as methods of eu- Dog Club; Judith Erlanger, MassFed/Yankee Golden thanasia for dog and cats currently in Massachusetts that Retriever Club; Herb Everett, MassFed/Springfield could be found. The AVMA recommends lethal injections Kennel Club; Darcy Brown, PVKC/MassFed; Don Jo- as the most humane method of euthanasia. Many other ralemon, PVKC; Gillian Wilson, PVKC; Sheila Blanker, states are restricting uses of these methods, as carbon PVKC; Peg Vohr, PVKC; Judith K. Steve, PVKC; Kathy monoxide, in particular, can also be harmful to humans in Georgianna, PVKC; Trish Libby, PVKC; Mary B. Wick- not conducted properly. In addition, the AVMA’s guidelines wire, PVKC; Catherine Lee, PVKC; Jeff Gross, PVKC; are reference in sections 151A and 153, instead of listing Ericka Gross, PVKC. out methods of euthanasia. Minutes: Minutes of the last meeting were approved Adding enforcement provision to section 139A. Sec- as published in the Spring newsletter. tion 139A is the current mandatory spay/neuter deposit law. Several changes have been proposed to improve its effectiveness. The changes would require a written agree- Committee Reports: Committee Reports were post- ment with the adopter; update the minimum the deposit poned until the next meeting. amount; and allow for enforcement. These changes are based on many similar provisions that other states have. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm followed by the MassFed presentation entitled “Current Legislation for Creating funding for spay/neuter fund. In this legisla- the 2009-2010 Legislative Session”. tion, one third of the dog license surcharge fee will provide spay /neuter funds to those in need of financial assistance. Respectfully submitted, Again, as in the instance of the increased Animal Control Judith Erlanger Officer training, this cost does not come from existing bud- Recording Secretary get revenue sources. This was changed to tax check off funding due to Town Clerk Association objection. MassFed Website Create some statewide oversight for animal control. Two thirds of the dog license surcharge will be used to Please visit our website frequently. The “News” page provide some statewide oversight of animal control. Un- will include late breaking news about upcoming hear- like many other states, Massachusetts has no statewide ings and other events. Links from previous events and agency specifically designated to oversee animal control. hearings will remain available for several weeks. This would allow the Department of Agricultural Resources to ensure the training of animal control officers (section The “Membership” page includes links to member club 151); enforce the spay/neuter provision (section 139A), website and links to Delegate emails. Upcoming meet- run the spay/neuter fund, and maintain statewide statis- ing information is also posted on this page. tics on animal populations in Massachusetts – including animals adopted, euthanized, etc. –something that Mas- The new “Position Papers” page lists the same legis- sachusetts is lacking. Status in limbo, due to change in lation as the “Bills to Watch” list but includes links to funding resulting from Town Clerk Association objection. downloadable position papers and full bill text. The above list is not intended to be inclusive of every change that would occur in this bill, but a summary of the We have a new page entitled “Member Club Events” major issues and those that the public, legislators and oth- which includes notices of matches, microchip clinics, ers are likely to be of the most interest. eye clinics, etc. sponsored by MassFed Member Clubs. Check it out!
Please email website or newsletter information to [email protected]. MASSFED NEWS Summer/Fall 2009 page 10
MEMBER CLUBS Airedale Terrier Club of New England Minuteman Boston Terrier Club Delegate Sybil Kevy 508-358-2097 Delegate Nanete Prideaux 508-347-96774 [email protected] [email protected] Bay Colony Tibetan Terrier Club Minuteman Samoyed Club, Inc. Delegate Caryl Crouse 508-625-8410 Delegate David Harsch 508-539-2328 [email protected] [email protected] Baystate Bullmastiff Club Nashoba Valley Hunt Club Delegate Stacey Gavin 508-277-5904 Delegate Daphne Taylor 978-345-5391 [email protected] [email protected] Berkshire Beagle Club New England Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Delegate Rodney Hicks 413-442-8816 Delegate Jean Gamble 978-779-6112 [email protected] [email protected] Bulldog Club of New England New England Rottweiler Fanciers Delegate Tom Rattigan 508-435-5276 Delegate Karen Billings 781-767-3908 [email protected] [email protected] Cape Cod Kennel Club, Inc. New England Sporting Group Assn. Delegate Cheryl Malone 508-385-2808 Delegate Jane Folkman 508-339-6916 [email protected] [email protected] Central New England Brittany Club New England Terrier Club Delegate Dorothy Boyatzi 978-249-2699 Delegate David Healey 781-264-2980 flashfi[email protected] [email protected] Charles River Dog Training Club North Shore Kennel Club Delegate Rebecca Leonard 508-653-6139 Delegate Holly Stump 978-356-1644 [email protected] [email protected] Classic Toy Dog Club of Western Mass. Patriot Papillon Club, Inc. Delegate Thomas Baldwin 413-583-3128 Delegate Charlotte McGowan 617-527-3450 [email protected] [email protected] Cocker Spaniel Breeders Club of N.E. Pioneer Valley Kennel Club, Inc. Delegate Paula Emerick 508-759-3895 Delegate Nanette Prideaux 508-347-9674 [email protected] [email protected] Collie Club of New England Poodle Club of Massachusetts Delegate Annette Rawlings 508-273-7111 Delegate John W. Seeley 978-456-8644 [email protected] [email protected] Colonial Shetland Sheepdog Club Scottish Terrier Club of New England Delegate Bonnie Chandler 978-456-3169 Delegate Kerry Fogler 978-371-0882 [email protected] [email protected] Concord Dog Training Club South Shore Kennel Club, Inc. Delegate Anne Testoni 978-779-6154 Delegate Darlene Flood 508-888-6786 [email protected] dfl[email protected] Framingham District Kennel Club Southern Berkshire Golden Retriever Club Delegate Phyllis Wright 978-343-6131 Delegate Carol Ingher 413-528-4135 [email protected] [email protected] German Shepherd Dog Club of Central Mass. Springfield Kennel Club Delegate Sally Priest e-mail n/a 978-562-5455 Delegate Herb Everett 413-467-9785 [email protected] Hockamock Kennel Club Delegate Nancy Fisk 508-966-4564 Town & Country Toy Dog Club of Eastern MA [email protected] Delegate Barbara Krzewicki 617-852-1447 [email protected] Holyoke Kennel Club Delegate Len Abraham 413-323-0272 Wachusett Kennel Club, Inc. [email protected] Delegate Julie Rembrandt Seeley 978-456-8644 [email protected] Irish Wolfhound Association. of N.E. Delegate Colleen Brown 508-672-1516 Wampanoag Kennel Club, Inc. [email protected] Delegate Naida Parker 508-763-8959 [email protected] Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston Secretary Beth Teixeira 401-440-3387 Worcester County Kennel Club [email protected] Delegate Cynthia Stark 508-852-2483 [email protected] Labrador Retriever Club of the Pioneer Valley Delegate Gretchen Boss 413-736-5606 Yankee Golden Retriever Club [email protected] Delegate Judith Erlanger 978-263-7301 [email protected] Ladies’ Dog Club, Inc. Delegate Virginia Rowland 978-939-5300 Yankee Siberian Husky Club [email protected] Delegate John Kenney 781-383-0504 [email protected] Mayflower German Shorthaired Pointer Club Delegate Bill Felins 617-470-6757 [email protected] Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Delegate Annie Baker 508-833-4350 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ❏ NEW ❏ RENEWAL Please check Membership Category Requested: Massachusetts Federation ❏ Club – $50.00 of Dog Clubs and ❏ Sponsor – $100.00 Responsible Dog Owners www.massfeddogs.org CLUB INFORMATION
Name of Club & Website Address Number of Members
Delegate Name
Telephone #(w/area code) E-mail address
Mailing address City State Zip
Alternate Name
Telephone #(w/area code) E-mail address
Mailing address City State Zip
Secretary Name
Telephone #(w/area code) E-mail address
Mailing address City State Zip
For the purpose of dues renewal notices, please provide Treasurer info below:
Treasurer Name
Telephone #(w/area code) E-mail address
Mailing address City State Zip
Signature below indicates club approval to provide a one-page no-charge advertisement in each of our show/trial catalogs during the period of membership. Artwork to be provided directly to superintendent by MassFed.
Signature / Officer Position Show/Trial Dates Superintendent
I do hereby declare that I support the objectives of the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners as put forth in the Constitution and By-laws of the Federation and do hereby agree to abide by the provisions set forth in the By-Laws.
Signature of President (if Club) or Individual (if Associate or Sponsor) If Club, please attach your clubʼs Constitution with application. Please make checks payable to MassFed and mail with completed form to: Ms. Julie Rembrandt Seeley, MassFed Corresponding Secretary, P.O. Box 295, Harvard, MA 01451 10/30/08 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ❏ NEW ❏ RENEWAL Please check Membership Category Requested: Massachusetts Federation ❏ Associate – $20.00 of Dog Clubs and ❏ Sponsor – $100.00 Responsible Dog Owners www.massfeddogs.org ASSOCIATE / SPONSOR INFORMATION
Name ______
Telephone #(w/area code) ______
E-mail address ______
Street/Mailing address ______
City ______State ______Zip ______
Occupation ______
What breed(s) of dog do you own? ______
How long have you been a dog owner? ______
Do you belong to other organizations who deal with dog legislation issues? If yes, please list: ______
______
Do you belong to a local kennel club? If yes, please list: ______
Do you participate in/attend dog training classes? ______
Do you compete with your dogs in obedience, agility, conformation, field, other? ______
______
Have you ever been involved with a Therapy Dog program? ______
Are you available to attend daytime or evening meetings? ______
How did you learn about the Federation? ______
Please list skills and/or services (hobby and or professional) that may be beneficial to the Federation: ______
______
What role do you see yourself playing in the Federation? ______
______
I do hereby declare that I support the objectives of the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners as put forth in the Constitution and By-laws of the Federation and do hereby agree to abide by the provisions set forth in the By-Laws.
Signature ______Date ______Please make checks payable to MassFed and mail with completed form to: Ms. Julie Rembrandt Seeley, MassFed Corresponding Secretary, P.O. Box 295, Harvard, MA 01451 10/30/08