Senate to Hear Testimony on Death of Hudson Dog

A June 4 hearing on a new law to protect animals will be a culmination of two years of campaigning for justice for a golden retriever named Phantom who died in an abandoned apartment.

“It’s not about politics — who’s a Democrat or who’s a Republican. It is all about the death of a dog. It has nothing to do with politics,” said Lyn Gorka, a local real estate agent and animal rights advocate who will be testifying for a bill to protect abandoned animals after being moved by the story of the 2 year-old Phantom that died after being abandoned in a foreclosed apartment.

Gorka will be among realtors and MSPCA representatives testifying in favor of a bill that would establish protections for animals in abandonded properties.

“I’m really hopeful because I think our state representatives will see the common sense in this. And that is what it’s all about. Common sense and doing the right thing,” said Gorka.

Gorka said abandoned animals in foreclosed properties continues to be an ongoing and spreading issue.

“The animals are abandoned all the time," she said explaining that the bill is about accountability and responsibility. "Just because of a foreclosure doesn’t mean you can walk away from that animal."

The bill that would provide protections for abandoned animals in foreclosed and abandoned properties in Massachusetts was filed in January. It has since been sent to the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee which will be holding the hearing in June. The bill, filed by State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), is titled An Act protecting abandoned animals in vacant properties (SD.618).

If any abandoned animals are found, the 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. Hudson police said that there was a miscommunication and not enough evidence to prosecute, said Gorka.

“I feel the owners of this dog are following this story intensely ... and it tells me the guilt is surfacing,” she said.

She 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 still collecting signatures here.