Pro-Animal Group Endorses Arroyo, Connolly, Pressley and O'Malley

Massachusetts' Animal Protection Political Action Committee, Humane USA-Massachusetts, endorsed three incumbents for the .

The endorsements are based on a variety of animal issues including use of wild animals in circuses, designated off-leash recreation areas for dogs, animal control policies, as well as the candidates’ personal views on the treatment of animals.

Based on the criteria, at-large incumbents Felix Arroyo, John Connolly and Ayanna Pressley, received endorsements, as did District 2 candidate Suzanne Lee.

The field of candidates is strong this year, according to Marge Peppercorn, co-Chair of Humane USA-Mass. “The strength of the field of candidates clearly reflects the increasing attention to the important role that animals play in our lives and our collective desire to see them treated humanely.” she said.

Peppercorn said animal protectionists are a large enough voting block in Massachusetts that their interests should be taken seriously by any candidate, be it a local or statewide election.

These voters should be particularly happy with the current roster of endorsed candidates, said Peppercorn, especially Felix Arroyo.

Peppercorn said Arroyo is of particular note because he took the lead on animal protection since taking office in 2009. He formed an animal task force in the City to tackle a wide variety of issues, including reducing dog fighting, increasing dog licensing compliance and preventing dog bites.

Regarding breed-specific legislation that exists in Boston, which currently puts restrictions on pitbulls/mixed pitbill breeds of dogs, Arroyo responded that his adopted pitbull mix is the sweetest dog he has ever had in his family. Connolly has said he is willing to consider alternatives to breed-specific legislation, and current laws can be difficult to enforce and applied unfairly, as did Suzanne Lee.

Pressley has emphasized the importance of dog owner responsibility, and favors dog parks, “I would be particularly eager to support the development of dog parks [and] fenced dog runs which avoids confrontations between dog owners and other residents.”

Jamaica Plain's district councilor, Matt O'Malley, while unopposed, garnered an endorsement, because he "positioned himself as a leader on issues. He recently formed' and effort to explore a possible off-leash dog recreation space in the area of in West Roxbury."

In addition to publicizing the positions of candidates on animal welfare issues, Humane USA-MA seeks to donate to the campaigns of humane candidates and mobilizes volunteers to give grassroots support to favorable candidates.

About Humane USA-Massachusetts Humane USA-Massachusetts (www.humanemass.org) was founded for the sole purpose of electing individuals to public office who care about the humane treatment of animals and defeating those who oppose it. Nonprofit groups are not permitted to support or oppose candidates.