Massachusetts Department of Agriculture: Who’s Who

From 2022 Annual Report

SHELTER AND RESCUE PROGRAM

Patricia Cabral

The Division of Animal Health‘s Animal Shelter and Rescue Program ensures the health and safety of companion animals being offered for adoption to the public. The Division of Animal Health licenses individual animal shelters and rescue groups who operate within Massachusetts and those that import and adopt animals into Massachusetts from other states. The Division responds to reports of infectious or contagious disease found in imported animals, or disease outbreaks occurring at local shelters. The Department also fields complaints from adopters who receive animals with concerning physical or mental health issues.

Since many animals that wind up in shelter and rescue channels have had little or no veterinary care, this disadvantaged portion of the domestic animal population requires greater attention. In March of 2020, the Division of Animal Health promulgated 330 CMR 30.00, the regulations for operating animal shelters and rescues in Massachusetts. These regulations replaced the outdated Animal Health Order issued in 2005. The new rules added several requirements for shelters and rescues, including vaccination and testing for certain diseases; behavioral observations and disclosure of any concerning behaviors noted; a requirement that all animals must be examined by a veterinarian prior to adopting them out; required spay and neuter surgeries for healthy animals; and maintenance of records for all the animals handled. The rules are in place serve as protection to the Commonwealth’s resident animal population, the animals being handled within the shelter and rescue community, and the humans who seek to help them through adoption. For more information, see https://www.mass.gov/animal-shelter-and-rescue-program

The Department witnessed a huge spike in pet adoptions during the pandemic. During lockdown, many families felt it was an ideal time to bring a pet into their home. The increase in demand for pets was met by start-up rescue groups translocating animals across the country. While the demand for pets slowed in 2022 rescues are seeing an in surrendered pets requiring homes. A significant shift was noted over 2020 and 2021 in the primary sources of animals. In years past, most imports were coming from shelters along the east coast from Tennessee to the Carolinas. Through the pandemic, more animals were originating from Texas. Many of the groups from Texas seem to be unaware of the regulatory requirements in place here in Massachusetts. This trend has continued into 2022.

Enforcement Actions In 2022, the number of registered shelters and rescues operating in Massachusetts increased by 7 to 455. The Division issued 4 Orders to Cease and Desist to unlicensed organizations in 2022. 5 organizations were issued fines. 3 of the fines were issued to registered organizations that failed to comply with the regulations, and the other 2 organizations were fined for violating the order to cease and desist for operating without a license.

The MDAR is a subset of the Department of Agriculture (DoA). The DoA is a much larger organization with vast responsibilities for farms and livestock. Under the DoA is the Division of Animal Health which regulates breeders and pet shops. And under the Division of Animal Health is the Shelter and Rescue Program.

Commissioner
Ashley.Randle@mass.gov
857-343-2129

Bouchard, Alisha Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Staff
Alisha.Bouchard@mass.gov
857-248-0276

Cahill, Mike Director, Animal Health
Michael.Cahill@mass.gov
617-626-1794

Cabral, Patricia Shelter and Rescue Coordinator, Animal Health
Patricia.Cabral@mass.gov
617-626-1786

Sylvester, Megan Animal Health Inspector
Megan.Sylvester@mass.gov
617-626-1795

Harrod, Linda Animal Health Inspector, Animal Health
Linda.Harrod@mass.gov
617-626-1795

Phelon, Sheila Animal Health and Dairy Inspector, Animal Health
Sheila.Phelon@mass.gov
617-626-1795

Chief Veterinary Health Officer, Animal Health
L.OConnor@mass.gov
617-626-1791

Veterinary Health Officer, Animal Health
Margaret.Gabour@mass.gov
617-626-1795

Animal Disease Traceability Program Coordinator, Animal Health
Carry.Shulock-Sexton@mass.gov
857-348-3922

Funk, Stephanie Animal Health Inspector, Animal Health
Stephanie.Funk@mass.gov
617-626-1795