TELL US: Should Shelter Animals Get Public Hearing?

Should shelter animals, owned by the town, get a hearing or should the current policy of the animal control officer being able to deem them dangerous and then taking action stay in place?

  Last week, Mansfield residents voiced their opinions concerning the euthanization of a pit bull, named Rocco, who was deemed dangerous by animal control officer Jeffrey Collins. The current law states any pet in the shelter is by definition owned by the town. Selectmen chairman Olivier Kozlowski said that the board can't direct the police chief or the animal control officer to take any action concerning animal issues. If the dog is owned by a citizen, there is a hearing held by the selectmen before a decision is made. During a recent Mansfield selectmen meeting, selectman George Dentino said that since the town owned the animals, the town should, by the civil board, be able to decide as to what to do with the animal. “When the town is …

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Pit Bull Debate Comes to a Head for Mansfield Selectmen

Selectmen argue the case of a pit bull named Rocco, who was euthanize, at the Mansfield Animal Shelter.

This week, authorities in Mansfield decided to euthanize a pit-bull named Rocco at the Mansfield Animal Shelter, which has stirred controversy both inside and outside of town. The Mansfield Board of Selectmen stated that they received several letters from concerned parties stating their objections to the dog’s euthanasia and the reasoning for the decision. According to Mansfield town manager William Ross, he, animal control officer Jeff Collins and Mansfield police chief Arthur O’Neill discussed the matter intently before making a final decision.  They all agreed that, for the good of public safety, the dog was to be euthanized. “This dog would not have been acceptable to a rescue or shelter,” he said. “There are emotions playing on both …

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Letter to the Editor: Misconceptions about Mansfield Animal Shelter

The following was submitted by Mary Andrews, a volunteer at the Mansfield Animal Shelter.

An article entitled “Dog Fight Erupts in Mansfield” appeared in the Sunday edition of The Sun Chronicle. This letter is not to argue a point of view on the decision to euthanize the dog in question, but to clear up misconceptions about Mansfield Animal Shelter.   Mansfield Animal Shelter is NOT a no-kill shelter. However, because of the efforts of the Humane Officer and the volunteers, its record may be very close to being no-kill, and I have never known an animal to be euthanized because it has been at the shelter too long. (It’s worth mentioning that there is no breed specific discrimination at the shelter. Many pit bulls have come through the shelter and have been adopted into loving homes where they have proved to be wonderful pets.) …

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Mansfield Animal Shelter Selling Holiday Wreaths

All proceeds go the Mansfield Animal Shelter.

The Mansfield Shelter Friends for Mansfield Animal Shelter, a non-profit, organization, is selling beautiful, fresh, fragrant Maine Balsam Wreaths decorated with sets of pines cones and a red loop bow. Starting the last week of November Holiday Wreaths will be available for pick up at the Mansfield Animal Shelter during our business hours.  If within the Mansfield area, we will deliver the wreath(s) to your door (please arrange this when you order). Order one for all your family and friends too.  They make great holiday gifts.  Wreaths will be available during the last week of November. If you have any questions, please call Sharon Baker at (508)-261-9936 or email MSF@mansfieldshelter.org.   Thank you for helping homeless, abandoned and …

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MHS Entrepreneurs Give Back

Entrepreneurship students make donation to the Mansfield Animal Shelter

Through a grant provided by the Mansfield Education Foundation, Mrs. Prester’s Entrepreneurship students were successful in operating a small businesses during the fall trimester.  The students designed and sold custom Mansfield sunglasses.  They generated nearly $700 in sales and made a $100 donation to the Mansfield Animal Shelter.  The remaining profits will be used to fund future Entrepreneurship projects in upcoming trimesters. The $100 donation was presented by the entire class, as pictured.

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Volunteer in Mansfield for the Holidays

There's no better time to give back to your community than the holiday season.

Volunteering in Mansfield is a great way to give back to others and spread holiday cheer and warmth in your community. Donating your time or giving a special holiday gift to a family or child in need can make a big impact. There are lots of ways to help make the holidays truly special for those who are less fortunate. You can pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, adopt a family through The Salvation Army or donate to Toys for Tots. Here are a few places that are in need of holiday volunteers in Mansfield: The Mansfield Our Daily Bread Food Pantry The Mansfield Animal Shelter Mansfield Council on Aging Keep Mansfield Beautiful

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TELL US: Who Makes a Difference in Mansfield?

Help showcase people who are doing great things in your community with our new feature, Count Us In.

Your neighbor who volunteers at the library, your child’s bus driver, and the Little League coach in your community may not seem to have much in common at first glance. But Patch’s new initiative, Count Us In, aspires to bring together all Good Samaritans by highlighting residents who are exemplary at making your community a more positive place. The Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, the Mansfield Animal Shelter and The Jamie Fund are all good places to start in terms of non profits. Partnering with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), Count Us In aims to illustrate HPHC's values. They believe that “amazing things happen when people work together” and that is why we want to share stories about just that. If you know someone who exemplifies being …

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Pet of the Week

Mansfield Animal Shelter

Charmed is a short haired female who is about three months old. This little girl shouldn't have to spend her kittenhood in a shelter cage! Because she is a little shy she might be happier in a home without small children. For information on Mansfield Animal Shelter animals see www.mansfieldshelter.org, email volunteers@mansfieldshelter.org, or visit the shelter during adoption hours.

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Mansfield Animal Shelter: Where Does the Money Go?

A breakdown of all required veterinary costs the shelter holds for taking in animals.

The following is from the Mansfield Animal Shelter. All veterinary expenses for cats and dogs at Mansfield Animal Shelter are paid by the non-profit Mansfield Shelter Friends (MSF). The Town of Mansfield does not pay any vet expenses. All stray cats and dogs coming into the shelter, and most surrendered animals, need an initial vet visit. This includes an intake exam and vaccinations. The cost is about $95 per animal. Frequently, incoming animals have not been spayed or neutered, so MSF schedules this also. In addition to these routine veterinary expenses there are always “sick” animal expenses. Upper respiratory infections are common in shelters. When there’s an outbreak, sick cats often need vet visits and medicines. Dental issues are …

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Mansfield Pet of the Week: September Special

Mansfield Animal Shelter September Special!