Press Release: 2/10/2026

MSPCA-Angell Community Outreach Adapting Operations Amid Increased ICE Presence in Massachusetts

 

Posted on Feb, 9, 2026 by Sara-Rose Brenner

  

Teams Working with Those Unable to Leave Home to Ensure Pets Get Necessary Resources 

BOSTON, Feb. 9, 2026 – Three months after the MSPCA-Angell’s Community Outreach teams pivoted to help community members impacted by the freeze of federal SNAP benefits, they are again responding to an unprecedented situation—the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts.

“Right now, many of our neighbors are afraid to leave their homes, and we don’t know when that will change,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “What we do know is that when people are at risk, their pets are too.”

“As an animal welfare organization, we know it’s our responsibility to help pets in need, so we have to change how we do things to ensure that those animals are able to get the supplies and care they need, even when their humans don’t feel safe leaving home.”

An Individualized Approach

If people do not feel comfortable attending regularly scheduled pet food pantries, other large events, or one of the MSPCA-Angell locations, the organization’s Community Outreach teams will work with them to ensure that they are able to get necessary resources.

“When people reach out to us, we’ll assess how best to help them, whether that means meeting individually, getting supplies delivered, or helping with transportation should their pets need medical care,” Keiley elaborated.

“We want people to know that we’re here for them, and we want to help,” he said. “Get in touch with us. We don’t want pets go without resources they need.”

Anyone who needs help is asked to visit mspca.org/outreach to connect with a team in their area.

Help MSPCA-Angell Community Outreach

The MSPCA-Angell is seeking volunteers to help in these expanded operations.

“We have no idea what kind of response we’ll get for these services, so we may need a lot of help to ensure we’ll able to reach everyone who needs us,” detailed Keiley. “That could mean making deliveries, transporting animals, or sorting supplies. We just don’t know at this point.”

Those interested in volunteering are asked to sign up at mspca.org/COvolunteer.

“We also always need supplies to keep these programs going,” he added. “We have amazing supporters, and I’m confident that together we’ll be able to meet this moment.”

Keiley asks that anyone able to donate send supplies from mspca.org/wishlist or give at mspca.org/COdonate.