Mass. Animals: PAWS Passes, Pet Rock Fest Moves, Puppy Doe Trial Continues

By Charlene Arsenault

PAWS Now a Law, Strengthens Penalties for Animal Abusers

The bill, referred to as the PAWS act, that was inspired by the Puppy Doe cruelty case was signed into law this week by Gov. Deval Patrick, reported WCVB.

The law increases the maximum fine of $2,500 to $5,000 and also raises the maximum prison sentence to ten years (see full aspects of the law below).

Quincy police arrested Radoslaw Czerkawski, a Polish national, and charged him with brutally torturing a dog dubbed Puppy Doe by the thousands who continue to fight for the toughest sentence possible. The dog had to be put down, and Czerkawski just completed his second pre-trial hearing.

Senate Minory Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, released the following statement and information upon the passage of the PAWS Act.

“After several months of seeking meaningful and appropriate punishments for those who commit heinous acts of abuse against animals, it is great news that the PAWS Act has been engrossed by the members of the Senate. This bipartisan measure, which has been widely supported by legislators, law enforcement personnel, and citizens, is an important step in updating the state’s woefully inadequate animal abuse laws.

The case of Puppy Doe, a dog who was discarded inhumanely at a Quincy park and suffering from a stab wound to her eye; the splitting of her tongue to look like a serpent; dislocated shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle; burned; and starved, is one of many examples of animal cruelty within this state. While some individuals will sadly continue to abuse animals, this bill will not only prevent some from being treated so cruelly, but will also provide meaningful punishments to those who decide to commit such acts.

The Senate engrossing the PAWS Act will enable public safety officials with the proper tools to confront the issue of animal abuse head on by:

• Increasing the possible fine of committing animal abuse from $2,500 to $5,000 for a first offense, and up to $10,000 for a second and subsequent offenses;

• Raising the maximum time in prison from 5 years to 7 years for a first offense and up to 10 years for a second and subsequent offenses;

• Requiring veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse (similar to the requirement of medical staff who suspect child abuse); and

• Creating a special taskforce of experts in law enforcement, animal protection, veterinary, legal professionals, and industry professionals to review methods to prevent animal abuse and punish those who commit animal abuse.

Pet Rock Fest Continues Message of Kindness to Animals at New Venue

Pet Rock Fest, The 16th Annual, Moves to Sturbridge, MA

Pet Rock Fest, the largest animal benefit of its kind in New England, is celebrating more than 15 years of helping animals. And also a big move.

The festival, brought to us by World’s Best Cat Litter, happening on Sunday, Sept. 7, from noon to 5 p.m., moves to the Sturbridge Host Hotel, 366 Main St., Sturbridge.

“While Quinsigamond Community College has been our home for more than ten years, and served us well, circumstances and new regulations pushed us to look for a new place,” said founding partner Charlene Arsenault. “The key is to bring in proceeds to help charities, and that will continue to be the point. The Sturbridge Host is a wonderful spot, right on a lake, and offers amenities that will provide advantages we have not had in the past. They are giving us a huge welcome, and are very accommodating. We hope our longtime partners and fans will ease into the move right along with us.”

Pet Rock Fest, also sponsored by Holden Veterinary Clinic, PetCo, TDBank, PetSmart, Especially for Pets and features live music, including a 30th anniversary celebration with Wilbur and the Dukes, Sam James (from The Voice) The Silverbacks, We and Mrs. Jones and Just For Kicks. Pet Rock Fest also features a vegetarian food court, games for kids, contests for dogs, a cat photo contest, a belly dance troupe, Pups in the Air Frisbee dog team, Mass-Vest-A-Dog K9 demos, conga circles for families, photos with your pets, doggie massages, demonstrations, exhibits, vendors and, most importantly, hundreds of nonprofit groups devoted to animal welfare causes. All animals.

Pet Rock Fest gives its proceeds to worthy animal related charities that support a variety of causes, from shelters to law reform to farm animal sanctuaries. It is important to remember that Pet Rock Fest benefits all animals - not just pets.

“While we were not entirely prepared to move the Pet Rock Festival from the established venue at QCC, the offer from the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center to hold the festival at their beautiful site has actually become an opportunity to reach out to a new and more diverse audience, expand our activities and offer assistance to more animal organizations,” said founding partner Jeannie Hebert. “That, of course, is always our mission.”

Not only will Pet Rock Fest still offer the same favorites, such as the vegetarian food court, Frisbee dogs, agility course, adoptable pet parade, dog contest and cat contest, but the new venue offers some new options, including Pet Rock Beach, where your dog can take a dip in the lake. Yes, you heard it right. Your dog can go swimming!

The Sturbridge Host Hotel is conveniently located right off of the Massachusetts Turnpike, and offers plenty of parking. It is also a dog friendly hotel, and attendees will be offered special rates to stay at the hotel.

Much more information is coming. Pass along the word and plan to attend Pet Rock Fest.

For updates on the plans for the day, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not so official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest and on Twitter @Petrockfestival.

Shrewsbury Puggle Has Three Legs, and Broke One of Them; Now the Family Needs Your Help

It’s been a few weeks since his operation, but Barney is making progress.

Presently seeking funding on a GoFundMe page, Jeannie Novick of Shrewsbury is seeking $4,500 to cover costs of surgeries for the Rivers family’s beloved dog. They have raised $1,275 so far.

Barney was one of two 2-year-old puggles up for adoption at a Worcester Animal Shelter. His brother was adopted, but three-legged Barney wasn’t. The Rivers family of Shrewsbury took the sweet boy home, and he was fine until a few weeks ago, when Barney landed on his right front leg and broke it.

With casts, surgery and other hospital costs, the bills have escalated to well over $4,000.

Read Barney’s story here, as well as donate, if you so feel inclined to help.

Lawrence City Council Orders Boy to Get Rid of “Therapy Pets”

After a complaint from a neighbor, followed by a meeting with City Council. a boy in Lawrence was forced to give up seven of his pets, which his mother says soothe an anxiety order with which he struggles, reported FoxBoston.

The boy, Jaxon Torres, struggles with conditions such as ADHD, and found that his seven dogs, three cats and a bird helped to cope with the disorder. Lawrence’s City Council voted that Torres give up seven of the pets, which were given to friends, coworkers and shelters.

Photo credit: Deb Young and other protesters at Puppy Doe trial