Death of Abandoned Dog Spurs Legislation Effort

A Massachusetts resident's efforts to find justice for a lab that died after being abandoned in a foreclosed property have culminated with the filing of a bill to protect other animals in similar situations.

"This is the bill that I want," said Lyn Gorka, a local real estate agent and animal rights advocate, who had spoken out for such a bill after being moved by the story of 2 year-old Phantom, who died after being abandoned in a foreclosed apartment. "I have been praying for this bill for two years and I am very, very happy ... I want this law passed. I don't want this to happen to any other dogs." 

Gorka said abandonment of animals in foreclosed properties is ongoing and being reported by other brokers throughout the region.

"I want this to be called Phantom's Bill," she said. "I've been working on it for almost two years and I haven't given up ... with this bill in place, more animals will be saved."

The bill (SD.618) was filed Wednesday night by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). It specifies that abandoned or foreclosed properties must be inspected for abandoned animals by the landlords or foreclosing owners within five days of properties being vacated.

"I filed [the bill] to help provide protection and prevent further harm to abandoned animals in properties that have been foreclosed or vacated," said Sen. Eldridge, who worked with the MSPCA on the bill.

If any abandoned animals are found, the landlord or foreclosing owner would be required to notify an animal control officer. The bill does not make the landlord or foreclosing owner further responsible for the animal.

Phantom's owner was never charged with a crime. Hudson police said that there was a miscommunication and not enough evidence to prosecute, Gorka said.

"I'd like to see that case reopened," she said.

Gorka has petitioned the Hudson Police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office to open the investigation again. She started an online petition to collect signatures in an attempt to sway the police department and district attorney. She is collecting signatures here.