Felicity's Pet Services

08/15/2026

08/12/2026

Germany officially bans cosmetic ear cr*pping and tail d*cking to protect animals from harm. 🇩🇪🐕

Germany prohibited cosmetic ear cr*pping and tail d*cking over twenty years ago under the national Animal Welfare Act, allowing exceptions only for genuine medical necessities. Despite the long-standing restrictions, animal welfare organizations observe that some breeders still practice d*cking tourism by traveling abroad to perform these painful cosmetic operations before returning with the puppies.



References:
German Animal Welfare Federation: Banning Cosmetic Ear Cr*pping and Tail D*cking for Dogs
Modern Molosser: The Legal Framework and Impact of the Animal Welfare Act in Germany
Pet Welfare Coalition: Understanding D*cking Tourism and Its Impact on Animal Rights

08/09/2026

Health officials are investigating after a dog that swam in a Stoughton pond died, prompting a warning that residents may want to keep pets out of the water. More>> https://www.wcvb.com/article/board-of-health-looks-into-dog-death-at-ames-pond/73376531

08/09/2026

Massachusetts is giving pets and wildlife one less reason to be afraid.

The state has some of the strictest fireworks laws in the country. Consumer fireworks are illegal to use, possess, or sell without the required professional license and permits. That includes fireworks bought legally in another state and brought into Massachusetts. Professional displays can still take place when they are properly licensed and permitted.

For animals, that matters.

The sudden explosions and loud cracks from fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Dogs may panic, hide, run away, or try to escape from their homes and yards. Cats can become frightened and disoriented. Wildlife can also be disturbed by the noise and sudden bursts of light.

Fireworks are not just frightening. They can also cause serious injuries and fires.

Massachusetts reported 486 fireworks-related fires and explosions between 2021 and 2025. During the same period, 188 people visited emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. One of those incidents last summer was fatal.

The state's restrictions have made a real difference. Massachusetts reports that its fireworks injury rate is about one-fifth of the national average. Its rate of fireworks-related fires and explosions is about one-sixth of the national rate.

A celebration should not have to come at the expense of animals, families, homes, or wildlife.

Massachusetts shows that there is another way. People can enjoy professional fireworks displays while leaving the dangerous explosives to trained professionals.

For the animals who do not understand what those explosions are, a quieter night can mean a much safer night. ❤️🐾

07/22/2026

My beautiful Neena 😺

07/07/2026

Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Spay Waggin’ coming to Fall River, other locations.

Details: https://fallriverreporter.com/animal-rescue-league-of-bostons-spay-waggin-coming-to-fall-river-other-locations/

06/06/2026

Florida has passed “Dexter’s Law,” and many animal advocates are calling it a major step forward for animal protection. 🐱⚖️

The law was inspired by a cat named Dexter whose horrific abuse case sparked outrage online and renewed demands for stronger tracking of animal cruelty offenders.

Under the legislation, certain convicted animal abusers can now be added to a publicly searchable database, helping shelters and rescues screen potential adopters more carefully before placing animals into homes.

For years, many rescue groups argued that repeat abusers were too easily able to obtain more animals after prior cruelty cases. This law aims to close some of those gaps. 💔

Animal abuse experts have long warned that cruelty toward animals is often connected to broader patterns of violence and antisocial behavior, which is one reason these cases trigger such strong public reactions.

Supporters believe laws like this could help prevent future abuse before it happens by giving rescues and adoption agencies better visibility into an applicant’s history.

Critics, however, argue public registries can raise privacy and rehabilitation concerns depending on how they’re implemented.

Still, many animal lovers see this as a turning point in taking cruelty cases more seriously. 🐾

Do you think people convicted of serious animal abuse should permanently lose the right to own pets?