Hello Petition Supporters,

My name is Alexandra, and I'm on the Civic Engagement team at Change.org. Our team works to connect petition starters and supporters with the public officials who have the power to act on the issues you care about. 

I spoke with the office of Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4) about concerns raised in this petition following reports of puppy dumping and illness in Dorchester.

Councilor Worrell’s office shared that the City of Boston is actively looking into capital investments for the Boston Animal Control facility, which city officials recognize as outdated and inadequate. The Council is pushing for a modernized facility that better supports animal care, community safety, and responsible pet ownership.

The city’s capital budget process takes place in the spring, and that is when funding allocations for projects like this are considered. Councilor Worrell’s office encourages residents to get involved early by contacting their local councilor and the Mayor’s Office to advocate for including this investment in the next budget.

The office also shared that the city is thinking more broadly about how to give residents the tools and resources to be responsible dog owners, reducing instances of animal abandonment. In Franklin Park, there are already plans and community engagement efforts underway to add a dog park — a project that could bring together caring pet owners and strengthen community support networks for animal welfare.

Thank you for continuing to raise awareness and work toward a city that protects both its animals and its residents.