Latest news with #MSPCA
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Pit bull mix Pluto ready for adoption after video shows alleged abuse
DORCHESTER, Mass. (WWLP) – Pluto, the dog shown on video allegedly being hit with a leash in Dorchester, is now available for adoption. Pit bull mix Pluto seeks new home after video shows alleged abuse in Dorchester The MSPCA states that a roughly one-and-a-half-year-old Pit Bull Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, now named Pluto, was surrendered to MSPCA-Angell on June 20th. An investigation is taking place after a person was filmed appearing to hit a dog with a leash outside in Dorchester on June 15th, that dog being Pluto. MSPCA Law Enforcement officers will have an update on the investigation at a later date, however, they are determined to find a loving home for Pluto as soon as possible. 'Through this investigation, we've learned a lot about Pluto's history beyond what was witnessed in the video, which is awful in and of itself,' explained MSPCA Boston Animal Adoption Center and Community Clinic Director of Operations, Deborah Bobek. 'This poor dog was shuffled to more than half a dozen homes over the past six months, so he hasn't had any structure or normalcy during the most crucial time of learning and development for dogs.' 'Pluto's a young, athletic, large breed dog and, as a result of the challenges he's faced in the past, he needs to go to a home with adopters who have the time to focus on him and are very committed to giving him a stable environment and consistent positive training,' she elaborated, noting that an adult-only home would be best for Pluto. 'Obviously, those kinds of homes are hard to come by, but we're pulling out all the stops because we know a long shelter stay is the last thing poor Pluto needs.' Interested adopters should visit the Boston Adoption Center during open hours, which are Tuesday through Sunday, noon – 3:00 p.m., however, they will be closed on Friday, July 4. Tips to MSPCA Law Enforcement may be submitted online at or by phone at 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Yahoo
MSPCA police investigate video showing surrendered dog being abused in Boston
MSPCA police officers are investigating a social media video that appears to show a dog being abused on the streets of Boston earlier this month. The video shows Pluto — a 1-year-old pit bull-Catahoula Leopard Dog mix — being hit with a leash while out for a walk in the city's Dorchester neighborhood on June 15, the MSPCA said in a Tuesday press release. After the video was shared on social media, the animal protection non-profit received an influx of calls about the incident, MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said in the release. The MSPCA was quickly able to locate Pluto, and he was surrendered to the non-profit on June 20. 'The community was right to be outraged by what was in the video,' Schindler said. MSPCA police are investigating the incident with the help of Boston Animal Control, the MSPCA said. Investigators intend to pursue charges against the suspect, according to Schindler. Pluto is expected to be ready for adoption later this week after he's neutered, the MSPCA said. Shelter workers describe him as 'remarkably friendly.' 'We think that Pluto may be able to go to a home with a well-matched dog, but — given his unsettled past — it's really important that his adopters are able to give him a very structured and supportive environment where he's able to flourish,' MSPCA Boston Adoption Center Director Deborah Bobek said in the release. 'We know Pluto will be a great addition to the right home with adopters who are committed to his training using positive reinforcement and also able to give him an outlet for all his young dog energy.' Pluto's adoption fee will be waived through June 29 as part of an ongoing adopt-a-thon event, along with all the MSPCA's available dogs that are a year and older. Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Control, the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts in Brockton and the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield have also waived adoption fees for dogs a year and older as part of the event. Those who would like to help offset the cost of caring for Pluto are asked to donate money at You can submit tips about alleged animal abuse to MSPCA police at or by calling (617) 522-6008. Former Hopkinton deputy police chief sentenced to prison on child rape charges Needham schools to review hiring methods after 3rd child sex abuse material arrest Mass. trooper 'lucky to be alive' after being hit by motorcycle, prosecutor says Mass. State Police identify trooper injured in hit-and-run motorcycle crash Worcester man killed in shooting after argument, prosecutor says Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MSPCA to waive adoption fee for farm animals this weekend
METHUEN, Mass. (WPRI) — The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is waiving adoption fees for dozens of farm animals this weekend in an effort to free up space at Nevins Farm. This comes after 147 farm animals, including pigs, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, cattle, horses, donkeys and dogs, were removed from a single property in Franklin County back in April. The MSPCA said some of those farm animals have given birth since arriving at Nevins Farm, meaning capacity and resources are stretched thin. 'All told, we ended up with more than 150 animals from this case,' MSPCA-Angell's Mike Keiley said. 'Obviously following that kind of intake, our resources are really being pushed to the brink.' RELATED: MSPCA rehabilitating severely emaciated horse 'This was a massive undertaking — we took in an entire farm at one time and moved it to Methuen,' he continued. 'It was all hands on deck … Bringing in close to a dozen different species, including cattle and horses, and housing them is incredibly complicated.' Keiley estimated that there are currently more than 300 animals living at Nevins Farm. 'We need to find homes for a lot of these animals and fast,' Keiley said. 'We typically see more cases of neglect in turbulent economic times and, given what we're already seeing with the increasing costs of hay and feed, I expect more animals will need to come to Nevins soon.' 'But we won't have space for them unless we're able to adopt out many of the animals already in our care,' he added. The Franklin County property was also where Astrid, a 2-year-old Percheron Filly, was discovered lying down in a field. 'Astrid was in dire need of medical attention when she came to us, and she ended up needing to spend more than a week in the hospital,' Keiley said. Keiley said the young horse is doing well and will be available for adoption soon. But her prolonged hospitalization, on top of caring for the other farm animals removed from the property, has already cost Nevins Farm roughly $25,000. 'The costs are adding up quickly,' Keiley said. The investigation into the farm animals' former owner is ongoing. It's unclear whether any charges have been filed. The MSPCA will be waiving adoption fees for pigs, goats, chickens and other fowl June 7 and 8. Keiley said the goal is to adopt out about 120 farm animals in just two days. 'It's a huge goal, but it's what we need to do in order to be there for the next animals who need us,' he said. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to register in advance and swing by the farm either day between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Anyone who wants to donate to the farm animals' care can do so online at any time. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over 150 farm animals up for free adoption after large Western Mass. surrender
After an influx of more than 140 animals into its care from a large surrender case, the MSPCA is set to offer free adoptions for dozens of pigs, goats, chickens and fowl this coming weekend. The animals from the large intake originated from a single property in Franklin County. A previously surrendered filly named Astrid, who was in 'dire need of medical attention' back in March, also came from this property, the MSPCA indicated. In total, 147 animals — ranging in species from pigs, to goats, chickens, geese, ducks, cattle, horses, donkeys and dogs, were removed from the Franklin County property on April 16, according to the MSPCA-Angell. The animals were officially surrendered by their previous owner on April 22. An investigation is also ongoing against the owner, the MSPCA noted. Read More: Mass. lawmakers eye lesser charge to deter animal cruelty Some of the animals have since given birth, raising their total number to more than 150. The large intake has ballooned the animal population at the MSPCA's Nevins Farm location in Methuen to more than 300 animals, the organization said, adding that capacity is now 'stretched thin.' 'This was a massive undertaking — we took in an entire farm at one time and moved it to Nevins," Mike Keiley, the vice president of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division, said in a statement. Keiley said it was 'all hands on deck' to move and resettle the animals, but that the MSPCA-Angell is 'uniquely positioned' to help in a situation such as this. Read More: Do you know this dog? MSPCA needs info about emaciated poodle found on highway 'We're really the only local organization that can help with this kind of huge intake,' Keiley said. 'Bringing in close to a dozen different species, including cattle and horses, and housing them is incredibly complicated.' Keiley credited the MSPCA's 'staffing and expertise' with helping to make the operation work, despite the strain on resources to carry it through and to continue the animals' care. 'We need to find homes for a lot of these animals and fast,' Keiley emphasized. 'We typically see more cases of neglect in turbulent economic times and, given what we're already seeing with the increasing costs of hay and feed, I expect more animals will need to come to Nevins soon, whether through owner surrender or related to Law Enforcement cases,' Keiley added. Read More: Second Chance says economic squeeze is pushing pets out of homes, into shelters Adopting out animals currently in the MSPCA's care is the main way the group will be able to care for more incoming animals in need, according to Keiley. Keiley estimated that the cost to care for Astrid, the Percheron filly, as well as the other animals has already cost the MSPCA roughly $25,000. Astrid required more than a week of hospitalization, but has since been released, and is expected to soon be available to adopt. Those who wish to donate to offset the costs of Astrid and the other animals' care can do so on the MSPCA's website. To incentivize adoptions on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, fees to adopt pigs, goats, chickens and fowl will be waived at Nevins Farm. The MSPCA said these free adoptions can amount to a savings of up to $400, which the group encourages new owners to put toward their animals' care. Keiley said the MSPCA's goal is to adopt out 'about 120 animals in just two days.' Those interested in adopting animals for free this weekend can learn more on the MSPCA's website. Registration is recommend, but not required to participate. Famous voice actor killed in Texas shooting at 59 Residential retrofitting program turns on high-speed internet for Bay Meadow Apts. in Springfield ICE defends arrest of Milford High School student, though teen was 'not the target' ICE director 'shocked' MA officials would rather release 'human traffickers, child rapists' back into neighborhoods A Pennsylvania Democrat and Republican come to Boston. Bipartisanship breaks out Read the original article on MassLive.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Install CCTV cams inside cabins of police officers'
Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Police Complaints Authority (MSPCA) has in an order recommended to the state to issue directives to install CCTV cameras within the cabins of police officers to ensure that any incident occurring inside these cabins is appropriately recorded. While hearing a Jan 2023 complaint of an advocate from Dhule that then district superintendent of police Sanjay Barkund had allegedly abused and misbehaved with him inside his cabin, MSPCA chairperson Justice (retd) Shrihari Davare, member Vijay Satbir Singh and member Umakant Mitkar in their order said the state had already issued directives for installation of cameras within the premises of police stations and recommended that similar directives be issued to install CCTV cameras within the cabins of officers as well. However, the authority dismissed the complaint against the SP, citing lack of merit. Advocate Vishal Pimpale, also an office-bearer of VHP, in his complaint stated he was representing a couple who got married without the consent of their parents and were seeking police protection. The complainant stated he visited the office of the SP on Dec 7, 2022, along with Shruti and Yuvraj Khairnar, who feared a threat from Shruti's parents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo According to the complainant, the SP called them into his cabin, but allowed only Shruti Khairnar to enter, instructing others to wait outside. Subsequently, the SP called the complainant into the cabin and allegedly threatened him saying he should leave the premises and warned that he would otherwise beat him on his buttocks and file false cases against him. But the SP denied any misconduct or ill-treatment towards the complainant. The SP stated he had advised the couple to approach Nizampur police and submit a written application, but no such application was filed. According to the SP, the complainant became agitated when he was advised to follow proper procedure. The SP also disclosed that an offence had been registered against the complainant in connection with an incident in March 2022. According to the SP, the complainant had lodged a similar complaint against him to the special IG. Inspector Hemant Prabhakar Patil investigated it and submitted a report saying it was false. The MSPCA in its May 20 order said the complainant had not substantiated the allegation with any evidence such as audio/video recordings or statements from witnesses. It said there was no CCTV footage of the incident in the SP's cabin, as it did not have facility to record and store videos and only provided live screening.
